Discusses development of rational set generator--an overall method for creating a rational set of examples to teach concepts and evaluate student knowledge levels--which combines formulas for creating examples measuring discrimination and generalization. Also discussed are results of a study to test the efficacy of a rational set generator. (MBR)

Examination of methods used by two software review services in evaluating microcomputer courseware--EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange) and MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers)--found low correlations between their recommendations for 82 programs. This lack of agreement casts doubts on the usefulness of…

Describes the variety of types of products produced by instructional designers, discusses the role of the designer, lists the critical instructional design attributes needed by instructors who design and implement loosely structured instructional products, and discusses prototype evaluation methods for less flexible, instructor-centered products.…

Describes a methodology for student involvement in courseware evaluation and for utilizing student reactions in purchasing and implementation decisions. The evaluation forms used in a survey of 2,308 Indiana students are presented, and the results of that survey are discussed. (18 references) (CLB)

Develops generalizations for empirical evaluation of software based upon suitability of several research designs--pretest posttest control group, single-group pretest posttest, nonequivalent control group, time series, and regression discontinuity--to type of software being evaluated, and on circumstances under which evaluation is conducted. (MBR)

This analysis of the evaluation literature on interactive video describes nature of the evaluations, reviews information on the effectiveness of interactive video, and discusses what the evaluations offer for improvement of interactive video design and use. Implications of these evaluations for the conduct of future studies are noted. (MBR)