Sigmund Tobias came to the United States in 1948, after his family had fled to China from the Holocaust in Europe. His Memoir ("Strange Haven: A Jewish Childhood in Wartime Shanghai") describes that part of his life. He settled in New York, where he completed his B.A. and M.S. in School Psychology from the City College of New York, and a…

Evidence collected on the effectiveness of four educational technologies is briefly reviewed. The authors conclude that there is reasonable evidence that computer-assisted instruction can have at least a modest effect on improving learning and probably more when its instructional approaches are properly matched to instructional objectives, that…

Discusses instructional design using the unique features of the videodisc. Instructional and authoring strategies for linear motion, linear stills, instructional units, and integration of stills and motion, and interactive instruction (multiple-choice branching and branching from constructed responses) are offered. (RAO)

Intended to provide a basic understanding of virtual reality (VR) from an educational perspective, this article describes the debate between conceptual and technological orientations to VR; the conceptual orientation to VR; technological definitions of VR, artificial reality, and cyberspace; dimensions of VR; and VR's impact on education. (11…

Discusses the educational potential of interactive videodisc technology in terms of: (1) training applications; (2) evaluation of effectiveness; (3) advantages of interactivity; (4) design considerations; (5) courseware development and cost considerations; and (6) teacher acceptability. Fifty-two references are provided. (MES)

Describes special considerations to be accounted for by evaluator of computer assisted instruction (CAI) materials, outlines a recommended approach to formative evaluation of CAI (one-to-one evaluations, small group evaluations, field tests), and offers suggestions to evaluators of CAI concerning how process can be simplified. Five references are…

Presents a set of guidelines for the display features and content of information that should be given to the learner in a computer-generated error message. Examples of common errors and suggested message displays are given. (8 references) (CLB)

Discusses the need for improved methodologies and tools to guide the design and development of interactive technology-based instructional materials. Topics discussed include mental models; knowledge representation; knowledge analysis and acquisition systems; the effectiveness of instructional transactions; strategy analysis systems for…

Discusses elements involved in the visual design of the computer-learner interface. Topics discussed include the need for consistency in screen layout; information representation, including accuracy in images and visual cuing strategies; and menu selection interfaces, or command representations, including their placement on the screen. (11…

Argues that microcomputers are inexpensive, reliable, and sufficiently powerful to meet important educational demands, and that with authoring/driver systems educators could make far greater use of what is known about cognitive processes, especially structural learning. (MER)

Discusses the use of beliefs to guide researchers in the development of computer-based learning. Topics include properties of beliefs; beliefs about learning; beliefs about computer technologies; directions for computer-based learning, including multimedia technology, virtual reality, and groupware; and learning rationales, including…

Discusses personality and attitudinal attributes that are significantly related to teachers' positive computer-oriented attitudes. The role of teachers in computer-assisted instruction is considered, use of the Eysenck personality model is described, and a tentative personality model of a typical teacher who is more positive toward computer usage…

Discussion of instructional transaction theory focuses on knowledge representation in an automated instructional design expert system. A knowledge structure called PEA-Net (processes, entities, and activities) is explained; the refrigeration process is used as an example; text resources and graphic resources are described; and simulations are…

Discusses the concepts of instructional theory and their application in the design of instructional and training packages, particularly computer-assisted instruction programs. (12 references) (CLB)

Examines the application of microcomputer statistics in social studies, and computer access and simulations in middle school environments. An interdisciplinary framework of curricula among social studies, science, and mathematics teachers with equal access to microcomputers and software programs is encouraged. (MER)