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…

Presents an engineering environment oriented to the development of hypermedia applications for training. Training trends are described; requirements for a computer-based training (CBT) strategy are outlined; a hypermedia course structure is examined; microinstructional events (MIEs) are explained; and technology requirements and selection are…

Explains the University of Minnesota Learning Software Design Competition, focusing on its goals and emphasis on innovation. Describes the review process to evaluate and judge the software, lists the winners, identifies a new class of educational software, and outlines plans for future competitions. (Author/LRW)

Describes experiences as judges at the University of Minnesota Learning Software Design Competition. Highlights include criteria for judging; an overview of some of the software programs; and the future of learning software, including Internet delivery, emphasis on visual and three-dimensional problem-solving environments, rich learning…

Discusses the change in learning materials to digital formats and considers whether current design and production methods for educational software are still appropriate or if there is a need for a new design and production strategy. Describes structural versus associative design strategies and a new three-space strategy. (LRW)

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 hypertext, a significantly different form of data retrieval, and gives an example of how it might be used in computer-based training. Hypertext software is discussed, including TextPro and KnowledgePro; the relationship between hypertext and expert systems is explored; and a hypertext document, PC-Hypertext, is described. (LRW)

Discusses multimedia design and the shift in models from computer-assisted instruction and audiovisual learning to multimedia environments and computer-based learning environments. Topics addressed include multimedia generations and architectures; changing trends in software development; object-oriented design; and the design of media systems.…

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…

Discusses instructional design and describes the development of a support system for course design called AGD (French acronym for Didactic Engineering Workbench). Highlights include categories of computer tools that support course design, including computer-assisted instruction, instructional design expert systems, and job aids; knowledge modeling…

A discussion of how the interaction of design and content of curricular materials determine their possible applications. A review of functions and models is presented for interactive curriculum development for computer based instructional systems. (HB)

Discusses a theory-based design strategy for concept learning that may be used with computer-based instruction on almost any delivery system. The computerized Rational Set Generator (RSG) is conceived to be a template that adapts to students' needs in ways that are supported both by learning theory and empirical findings. (MBR)

Presents a taxonomy describing various uses of artificial intelligence techniques in automated instructional development systems. Instructional systems development is discussed in relation to the design of computer-based instructional courseware; two systems being developed at the Air Force Armstrong Laboratory are reviewed; and further research…

Makes suggestions and forecasts relating to the nature of the developing partnership between teachers, students, and microcomputers and to the development and use of educational software to truly optimize learning in United Kingdom schools. (MBR)

Describes the HyperCard program and explains HyperTalk, the programing language it uses. Implications of HyperCard for educational researchers are discussed, including software design and development, the concept of learner control, and computer-assisted instruction that incorporates videodiscs and CD-ROM. A case study using HyperCard in…