Emphasizes the importance of systematic and full-fledged R&D (research and development) in educational computing. Describes high technology R&D frameworks outside of education in business and industry, and discusses increasing the effectiveness and quality of educational computing R&D. (LRW)

Presents a comprehensive synthesis of research on learning strategies, focusing on the practical use of these strategies in CAI (computer-assisted instruction) design; identifies 13 of the most researched learning strategies and suggests ways to incorporate them into CAI design; and discusses future research topics. (Contains 63 references.) (LRW)

Describes a study that used innovation diffusion theory to investigate the effects of the allocation of computer coordinator work time on student computer use in academic subjects in grade 5 and grade 11. Findings suggest that teacher support is more critical than student support and that effects differ in different grades. (Contains 31…

Describes a study that examined changes in preservice and inservice teachers' attitudes toward computers following their participation in an educational computing class and explored factors that contributed to their computer use. Discusses prior computer experience, having home computers, and current use of technology in the school at which they…

Describes assessment procedures used to select winners of the EDUCOM/NCRIPTAL (National Center for Research to Improve Postsecondary Teaching and Learning) Higher Education Software Awards program; presents the evaluative criteria used for software assessment; and lists the award-winning software for 1987. (32 references) (LRW)

Provides an example that illustrates the interrelationship of the factors that influence educational software portability. Nielsen's seven-level approach to human-computer interaction is used as the basis for a model for factors that influence portability, and five phases in the life cycle of a software product being adapted are considered. (10…

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…

Reports on an exploratory study which used tracking records and evaluation questionnaires to examine the ways students use a hypermedia system. Findings in the following areas are discussed: enjoyment, ease of use, perception of system control, actual search strategies, perceived purposive search strategies, and effectiveness of search strategies.…

Discusses economic issues that affect the portability of educational software. Topics discussed include economic reasons for portability, including cost effectiveness; the nature and behavior of educational computer software markets; the role of producers, buyers, and consumers; potential effects of government policies; computer piracy; and…

Reports on the introduction of a computer conferencing component into an engineering course at Deakin University (Australia) Results showed significant variations in computer usage that were correlated to student study mode, and on-campus students were more likely to agree that computers could assist their learning. (Author/LRW)

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…

Discusses the interrelationships of the concepts of adaptability and portability of educational software. A conceptual framework for adaptable educational software is offered, a seven-stage model of adaptation is presented, and the research approach of the USE project in the Netherlands--which is concerned with the development and use of adaptable…

Describes a residential training course sponsored by the NASA Classroom of the Future to help teachers learn to use computer-based educational tools and explore constructivist instructional approaches. Hypothesized that creating a living-and-learning environment for the training would foster rapid changes in teachers' epistemological beliefs.…

Reconsiders and affirms the general model of factors that influence the portability potential of educational software by summarizing the articles in this special issue. Factors that received the most attention include software design and development; overall instructional approach; teacher training; and cultural assumptions. Areas for further…

Analysis of data from two studies of undergraduates (n12 and n18) enrolled in a hypermedia-in-education course at West Virginia University determined that the group with more hypermedia knowledge more frequently cited nonlinear models, supporting the premise that students require hypermedia experience before they can use nonlinear information…