Describes four studies, one experimental and three comparative, that were conducted with university students to assess the instructional effectiveness of separate animated computer tutorials illustrating dynamic processes in microbiology. Results indicated a significant advantage for subjects in the animated condition as opposed to a contextual…

Discussion of educational software evaluation strategies for effective computer-assisted instruction highlights CLOPPE, a software evaluation form that enables the previewer to analyze the software's objectives and to determine where it can be effectively integrated within the curriculum. The importance of subjective evaluation is emphasized. (28…

Describes a study that used meta-analysis to compare the academic achievement during a 12-year period of secondary students who were instructed through traditional methods, traditional methods supplemented with computer-assisted instruction (CAI), or CAI alone. Results were compared with earlier research and indicate that the effect of CAI on…

Examines the pedagogic usefulness of the computer by focusing on changes in student attitudes and use of computers in a computer-enriched environment using data from a longitudinal study at Wake Forest University. Results indicate that a networked institution where students have easy access can foster positive attitudes. (Author/LRW)

Examines the history of computer-based education within the context of psychological theorists of instruction, including Pressey, Thorndike, Skinner, and Crowder. Topics discussed include computer-managed instruction; computer-assisted instruction; the Computer Curriculum Corporation; PLATO; TICCIT; microcomputers; effects on students; and cost…

Describes the use of computers and satellites for delivering educational materials to distance learners. Topics discussed include teletex; videotex; telecommunications; computer use in the design and production of instructional materials; administrative uses of computers; satellite programing; and future possibilities. Examples of distance…

A meta-analysis was performed to synthesize existing research on the effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on cognitive outcomes. Analysis of 31 studies indicated that CAI had moderately positive effects on student cognitive outcomes and that the outcomes of using CAI extend beyond the content of the specific software or subject area. (42…

Discusses the use of pre-Logo microworlds for elementary school children and describes developments that are being made to alleviate problems encountered in classroom implementation of the microworlds. Highlights include tutorial support; a menu-driven user interface appropriate for young children; effectiveness of new learner support features;…

Pretests measuring problem-solving ability were administered to 71 students in a high school mathematics class. One group was given computer-augmented instruction; the other group was given instruction augmented by mathematics laboratory activities. Posttest results for problem-solving ability were mixed, but the group receiving computer-augmented…

Describes a study that compared the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and lecture approaches in teaching vocal anatomy and function to 60 undergraduate music students with different learning styles. Highlights include background on learning styles, implications for the use of CAI with various learning styles, and recommendations…

Discusses and defines computer-based instructional simulations based on a review and analysis of computer-based simulation studies found in the literature. Simulation studies are classified and analyzed according to the instructional function for which the simulation was used, and needed research is suggested. (36 references) (LRW)

Reviews, analyzes, and critically assesses a sample of articles reporting research findings related to the instructional effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Problems in CAI research are described, including validity of the experimental research design, and current trends in CAI research are discussed. (31 references) (LRW)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether learning to program a computer in Pascal or FORTRAN improved problem-solving skills of college students when compared to a control group and to determine which programing language was more effective in the development of problem-solving abilities. (26 references) (LRW)

Describes results of a survey that was conducted to determine qualifications and roles of computer lab specialists in elementary schools. Integration of computer lab use and classroom instruction is discussed, the effect of microcomputers on student outcomes is examined, and the answers of the specialists are compared with those of classroom…

Summarizes a paper prepared for the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) on the evolution of distance learning which begins by describing technological, the demographic, economic, political, and pedagogical forces involved. A new field is proposed called technology-mediated interactive learning (TMIL), which synthesizes distance learning,…