Seven hundred university students in a chemistry laboratory course received computer based instruction (CBI) in one of two forms, "interactive" or "passive." Laboratory performance was significantly better for students who used the "interactive" form. (Author/MER)

Compares the performance of novice computer users and users with significant proofreading experience in proofreading from screen and paper. Results showed that the users with previous experience did better in the screen mode, but no difference between the groups was evident in the paper mode. (Contains 22 references.) (JLB)

Primary advantage of authoring languages is special subroutines facilitating educational programing; primary disadvantages are execution speed, memory limitations, and little gain in programing ease. Primary advantage of authoring systems is menu-driven editors; primary disadvantage is significant limitation in the frame-based branching programed…

Examines characteristics of 50 frequently cited authors in the field of computer applications to education (CAE). Citation analysis used in the study is discussed, a taxonomy of topics in CAE based upon the writings of these authors is developed, and a comparison is made with data from the Social Science Citation Index. (LRW)

An experiment was conducted in which a computer-simulated "workshop" was used in teaching Information Reading Inventory (IRI) techniques to college students. The computer simulated an instructor who guided students through constructing an IRI and a pupil to be tested with IRI. (JY)

A computer-assisted testing system (LEVEL3) was designed to provide frequent, meaningful, diagnostic feedback to basic medical science students. (JY)

Describes attempts to validate the expert system, CBT Analyst, which is designed to help training managers make decisions about computer-based training (CBT). Conclusions reached by CBT experts on case studies for five decision areas are compared with those of the expert system, and internal and external validity are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Compares the effects on the knowledge structure of the learners of using two different Mindtools--semantic networks and rule-based expert systems--for representing the content of a course. Results showed that students in the semantic network class possessed more hierarchical knowledge structures than the other group. (Contains 29 references.) (JLB)

Investigated the learning outcomes of 83 nursing students randomly assigned to a computer assisted instruction (CAI) group or to a group taught with printed programmed instruction (PI). Findings suggest that CAI can be as effective as more traditional instruction in teaching both factual content and application of learned material. Fourteen…

Describes a study of 36 college juniors at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to contrast how well students learn new concepts from working with a partner versus working individually on a computer-based lesson. Highlights include types of feedback chosen and an analysis of verbal interactions. (Author/LRW)

Investigates the effects of single- and multiple-window displays on the achievement of fourth-grade students during computer-assisted instruction by applying research-based window design guidelines. Results showed that, although there were no differences in window use, high ability students in the single window treatment demonstrated higher…

Describes two classroom experiments that investigated the effects of using projected-display computers: the first compared teaching a course using a projected display with teaching the course in a computer lab; and the second compared using a computer and projected display with standard lectures. Effects on test scores are discussed. (three…

Reviews previous research to compare the instructional effects of multiple-try feedback (MTF) forms to single-try feedback forms and no feedback in both traditional and in computer-based instruction. Interaction between students' prior knowledge and the number of feedback trials is examined, and future MTF research is suggested. (Contains 59…

This study developed and tested a computer-based job aid and compared soldiers' task performance using computer-based and conventional media to learn military procedures. Of the tasks taught via both methods, the computer-based aid produced more accurate performance of a simpler task, while no differences were observed for the more complicated…

This theme issue provides brief descriptions or reviews of specific authoring tools including the Digital, TenCORE, EASE, Courseware (Apple), and PLATO authoring systems. Articles on conceptual or practical issues emerging from extensive experience in specific settings or based on use of specific authoring systems are also presented. (MBR)