A short course on the heart comprising film and still pictures, with questions, explanations, and a glossary, were recorded on videodisc, then offered to 12 subjects via a videodisc player interfaced with a Philips P857 minicomputer. The system is described and recommendations made for future computer-interactive videodisc courses. (RAO)

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)

Describes a computer program for designing tests and grading students in a college chemistry course. (RAO)

Examines college student attitudes toward laptop computers and the impact that laptops are having on higher education. Compares laptop ownership to traditional computer lab use; gives examples of colleges that have laptop programs; and discusses laptop use and attitudes at Zayed University (United Arab Emirates). (Author/LRW)

Describes research conducted at the University of Texas that designed, programed, tested, and evaluted three CAI (computer-assisted instruction) modules for stimulating rhetorical invention within the freshman English composition setting. Experimental procedures, findings, and implications are discussed. (Author/JD)

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 use of a microcomputer system (ECHO) which permits greater access to student thought processes. Initial piloting indicates that self-reports can be unobtrusively solicited from students during ongoing instruction. Research background, data collection approaches, and a description of the ECHO system are given. (MER)

Describes the inadequacies of the current software for computer-based instruction, and presents a framework of instructional components to guide the design of such software. A taxonomy of design considerations is then discussed, including instructional context, strategies, and technical capabilities that can be used to enhance instruction. (4…

Reviews the principles of the behavioral model of learning and discusses the need to incorporate these principles in the development of educational software programs. Criteria for evaluating software programs based on their inclusion of behavioral principles are provided, and the evaluations of six available programs based on these criteria are…

The Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System research program investigates variables and conditions that improve learning through adaptive instructional strategies. The macro- level component of the system includes a learner model, knowledge base, and expert tutor model. At the micro-level there are nine variables which form the possible…

Presents an instructional development model that incorporates formative evaluation techniques, and explores the possible application of the model in developing computer-assisted instruction courseware. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are identified and implications for research on formative evaluation are discussed. (31 references)…

Discusses the movement toward digital-based platforms including full-motion video for multimedia products. Hardware- and software-based compression techniques for digital data storage are considered, and a chart summarizes features of Digital Video Interactive, Moving Pictures Experts Group, P x 64, Joint Photographic Experts Group, Apple…

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)

Discussion of computer conferencing as a collaborative learning strategy and a group-oriented decision-making process highlights a study of undergraduates at the University of Delaware who participated in a computer conference. Technical responsibilities, strategy development, debate advancement, and user temperament are examined; and the value of…

Reports the results of a survey of course Web sites and online syllabi used by students and faculty at higher education institutions across the country and offers suggestions for ways of incorporating relevant and often overlooked links to other sites. Discusses email, course topic links, administrative links, and disability support. (LRW)