Shows how guidelines from Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" can be used to evaluate computer-based projects in the schools. Guidelines include caring about the project, viewing it from the perspective of the specialist and the common person, and being systematic in approach. (KRN)

Describes the use of computers for evaluating the Alaska Writing Program (AWP), a computer-based writing curriculum that was developed in the Yukon Koyukuk School District. The Computerized Instrument for Writing Evaluation (CIWE) is explained, and CIWE field test results are presented. (six references) (LRW)

Discusses how to examine and evaluate claims of improved academic performance in advertisements for computer-assisted instruction. Highlights include the proper use of comparison groups; types of statistical analyses; the Hawthorne effect; the interpretation of scores; interpreting graphic presentations; tests of significance; and cost…

Discussion of elementary school mathematics instruction focuses on computer graphing programs to teach subtraction that use pictorial representations as well as graphs. Classroom graphing activities for first graders are described, and evaluations of student progress based on pre- and posttests are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

Describes how to create hypermedia-based computer-assisted instruction for teachers developing multimedia activities. Cognitively based instructional design is discussed; cognitive objectives are considered; and tables provide examples of commercial and noncommercial multimedia programs as well as possible feedback and evaluation strategies. (10…

Describes the repurposing of a Public Broadcasting Service television series, "Newton's Apple," into interactive videodisks for middle school science classrooms. Topics discussed include the goals of the project; components of the videodisks, including video, still photos, print materials, teacher's guide, and software; and feedback and…

Discussion of differences in elementary and secondary school mathematics instruction between the United States and The Netherlands focuses on a Dutch project brought to the United States that uses print materials and software products. Topics addressed include integrating technology into the curriculum; cultural differences; designing assessment;…

Discusses the use of computers in elementary and secondary school mathematics instruction. Topics addressed include the use of computers in compiling student portfolios; a model shift regarding assessment, mathematics instruction, and computers; computer software programs; and new approaches to teaching, including cooperative learning, multigrade…

Argues for new instructional methods that envision teacher explorer classrooms in which teachers and students utilize multimedia tools to construct knowledge. Describes the changing roles of the teacher and student and methods to evaluate the classroom process. Describes a classroom that includes hardware, software, training, motivation, and…

Describes the development of a telecommunications network that links Florida schools with the United Kingdom's educational network, Campus 2000. Criteria for curriculum design are explained; evaluation strategies are discussed, including student achievement measures and attitude measures; plans for the future are examined; and an example of a…

Discusses the use of technology to support alternative assessment, including portfolios of student work. Multimedia computer software programs are reviewed; database programs, hypermedia programs, and video portfolios are discussed; technology storage is considered; and future possibilities are suggested, including hardware options. (Contains two…

Discussion of performance-based assessment in elementary and secondary schools in Kentucky focuses on the use of hypermedia as an effective alternative for assessing student learning. Curriculum activities are described for science, language arts, foreign language, mathematics, social studies, and physical education. (Contains seven references.)…