Investigates the impact of a brief computer assisted instruction (CAI) experience on the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of high school students. A 20-30 minute science lesson on water pollution was administered to 350 students by Apple II microcomputers. Twenty references are listed. (FM)

Description of a computer system that converts text automatically into a form suitable for browsing and consultation online focuses on its use for online documentation. Also discussed are possibilities for its applications in automatic indexing, index access, and authoring systems for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). (four references)…

Describes the application of case analysis to a learner-centered microcomputer-based instructional model. Topics discussed include the use of computer-based case analysis with adult students; case planning; and two sample cases, one a decision-making model and one a technical model. (21 references) (LRW)

Explores specification and design procedures, functions, and issues in the development of intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs). Topics discussed include learning objectives; the target audience; types of training materials; format; software and hardware specifications; and individual ITS modules, including administrative, user profile, database,…

Discussion of computer-assisted learning (CAL) and the instructional functions of audio highlights the development of an interactional audio-CAL system used for second-language learning. Levels of interactivity in media are discussed, hardware that would add audio to a CAL system is described, and future research is suggested. (10 references) (LRW)

The learning system described, which consists of a Terak 8510a connected to a Discovision PR-7820 videodisc player, provides instructions for implementing and editing course materials in physics, and a workplace in which the student performs a variety of operations. Five references are cited. (FM)

Describes a modified alphabet for beginning readers based on psychologies of reading and visual perception. The Graphophonic Alphabet (GP) is explained, motivations for modifying the alphabet are discussed, and possibilities for teaching phonics and second languages as well as reading with the GP and microcomputers are considered. (16 references)…

Describes an approach for designing instructional units based on careful consideration of the reading curriculum and its psychological foundations, and examines factors associated with the use of a small stand-alone computer to provide the primary instructional environment. Twenty-two references are listed. (Author/MER)

Describes study of undergraduates in business communication classes at Arizona State University that was designed to investigate how attitudes affect students' use of microcomputers. Results indicate that students with more computer experience are more likely to have positive attitudes toward computers than those with less experience. (15…

Discusses essential commands of the BASIC programing language to help secondary school English teachers develop an understanding of the language and enable them to create programs to supplement English lessons. A core program that can be easily modified by teachers for developing a series of programs is described in detail. (MBR)

Describes study that was conducted at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to examine variables that determine which undergraduates use microcomputers and how often they use them. Computer access, expected future computer use, and prior computer experience are discussed, and the influences of gender and class rank are examined. (17…

Uses the Bradley Inventory of Reading Comprehension Software to evaluate surface characteristics (including documentation and instructional design) of microcomputer reading comprehension programs produced by Scott Foresman, Random House, Control Data Corporation, and Basic Learning Systems. All four programs received high scores, but the Scott…

Describes telephone survey of undergraduate students at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst that was conducted to determine student opinions of policies that require them to take computer courses and/or to own a personal computer. Student attitudes toward computing and the variables that contribute to these attitudes are examined. (15…

This study investigated the effect of using computer-mediated reading supports on the reading comprehension and reading behavior of beginning learners of Arabic as a foreign language. Recommendations for future research are given as well as theoretical and pedagogical implications for second-language instruction. (eight references) (LRW)

This survey of authoring languages that are used in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) highlights recent developments in Macintosh authoring languages and discusses their use in courseware development. CAI effectiveness is defined, advantages and disadvantages of CAI are described, and future research needs are suggested. (27 references) (LRW)