Presents a case for the integration of stand-alone microcomputers into the educational environment through time-sharing networks utilizing medium to large-scale central computer facilities. The PLATO system is used to illustrate the evolution of distributed processing in the computer-based education environment. (Author)

Guidelines for securing and maintaining local funding for computer-related projects include suggestions in the areas of establishing and maintaining project/school board relationships, encountering social and political factors, and defining guidelines for project implementation. Successes and failures of the MICA project are provided as…

Acquaints the reader with the personal computer, emphasizing its use as an aid in the learning process; considers the types of hardware available and software related to educational uses; and offers advice to those just entering this area. (Author)

Briefly summarizes the applications and implications of computer-assisted instruction, computer-managed instruction, and computer-based resource units. Other computer applications and research are discussed. (JD)

Provides an overview of this special issue, which focuses on computer-based integrated learning systems (ILSs). Highlights include a definition of ILSs; historical background; research evidence on the effectiveness of ILSs; planning requirements; vendors' perspectives; educators' viewpoints; and the future possibilities of ILSs. (LRW)

Discusses design and evaluation issues relating to computer managed instruction (CMI). Major functions described include establishing identification database, processing performance data, report formulation, and utility functions. Evaluation issues discussed include customized versus generic CMI, user-friendliness, documentation, data entry…

Describes an experiment which compares the effectiveness of two key word techniques of vocabulary acquisition and gives the original 228-line program which was used. The program is written in BASIC to be run on Commodore CBM or PET machines with one disk drive. Eight references are listed. (MER)

Describes relatively new computer software that can be used to maintain, analyze, and report large sets of educational data. The application of two of these packages to problems faced when manipulating educational data is demonstrated, and administrators are provided with information on the evaluation and selection of software products. (MER)

Details classroom use of SuperCalc, a software accounting package developed originally for small businesses, as a computerized gradebook. A procedure which uses data from the computer gradebook to produce weekly printed reports for parents is also described. (MBR)

Considers issues involved in deciding whether to use a turnkey approach to installing an integrated learning system (ILS). School districts' instructional technology plans are discussed; factors related to the size and complexity of the system are examined; and district-vendor communication is discussed, including writing detailed specifications.…

Discusses whether integrated learning systems (ILSs) provide good education and suggests the need to consider what learning technologies can deliver best and what humans can teach best. Opposition to ILSs is discussed, focusing on negative views of machines; and support for ILSs is reviewed, including individualized instruction and motivation.…

Defines a distributed course as one in which instructional events that have traditionally occurred in the classroom are made available to either distant or local learners. Discusses the challenges for distributed course designers and presents a taxonomy for distributed course design. Addresses design, development, and evaluation processes and…

Recommendations useful to individuals considering or planning the development of a computer based instruction project in higher education are given. Covers a variety of planning aspects, ranging from types of staff needed, on-the-job training, and the need for a funded planning and recruitment phase. (RAO)

Describes the steps needed to develop a computer-managed learning system that is derived from a network-based curriculum such as the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). System components that are described include curriculum mapping, including objectives; lesson outlines; and a framework for evaluating students and instructional…

Considers the future of integrated learning systems (ILSs) and examines hypermedia as the most promising new interactive technology for education. Topics discussed include changes in technology; the use of computers in schools; the value of video games; the impact of ILSs on schools; and cognitive science and cognitive psychology. (LRW)