Educational technologists may advance the state of the field by increasing capacity to develop software tools and instructional applications. Presently, few academic programs in educational technology require even a single computer programming course. Further, the educational technologists who develop software generally work independently or in…

Discussion of electronic mail and computer-mediated communication focuses on local bulletin board systems (BBSs) that run on microcomputers. Uses in education and businesses are described, computer requirements and costs are outlined, bulletin board software is discussed, and echo networking is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

Discusses possible future developments in integrated learning systems (ILSs). Highlights include greater integration with outside resources; incorporation of other technologies, including CD-ROM, multimedia, and hypermedia; links with databases; network possibilities; artificial intelligence tutoring systems; better courseware; decreasing prices;…

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)

Discussion of discourse created by computers defines discourse as a pattern of cognitive functioning and identifies two such modes of thought: narrative and expository. Discussion covers the computer as discourse; schemas as a way to understand how knowledge is organized; simulations, hypermedia, and databases as discourse; and interactive…

Discusses hypertext technology and its use in education. Topics addressed include creating hypertext for academic research; the value of collaborative authorship; navigation through a hypertext database; cognitive flexibility theory; future possibilities; and implications for teaching information science. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Examines the use of technology by college faculty and the importance of going beyond the technology itself. Topics include computer literacy, building students' confidence in technology, real-world readiness, presentation software, word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets and databases, and information access. (LRW)

Popular electronic tools for learning--tutorials, educational databases, learning nodes, simulations and educational games--are described, and their functions as part of the learning system are examined using Gagne's Events of Instruction model. Figures representing tutorial models are included. (Contains seven references.) (SLW)

Automated generation and scoring of repeatable tests are a practical necessity in self-paced instruction, where the demand for repetitive testing is great. (Author)

Important current trends in the use of computer technology to enhance medical education are reported in the areas of simulation and assessment of clinical competence, curriculum integration, financial support, and means of exchanging views and scientific information. (RAO)

A look at Moraine Valley Community College's data bank for systematically gathering, reporting and updating community socioeconomic data for occupational program planning and counseling. (Author)

A discussion of a project concerned with the development of a comprehensive instructional management system, including development work on the banking'' of a new system of objectives in reading instruction. (Author/HB)

Describes "DesignStation 2000," a software and hardware workbench for laptop computers for the design of learning systems that includes capabilities for needs analysis; client presentation and proposal generation; rapid prototyping of interactive media projects; collaboration and project tracking; assessment of results; and adding to a…

Discusses educational uses, types, operation, advantages, popular features, and subscription rates of electronic communication networks. Factors to consider when choosing a network are described, and a table listing networks designed for educators includes information on the network producer, target audience, features, subscription rates, and…