The need for a high level computer-assisted instructional (CAI) course authoring language is discussed and the capabilities of COURSEWRITER, BASIC, and APL for meeting this need are compared. The demand for such a language is first documented and some historical trends of CAI language development and use are reviewed. Following this, the…

This paper compares two alternative computer architectures that have been proposed to provide the control mechanism that enables an intelligent tutoring system to decide what instructional action to perform next, i.e., discourse management networks and blackboards. The claim that an intelligent tutoring system controlled by a blackboard…

Reports results of two studies that compared the introduction of procedural (exemplified by Pascal) and declarative (exemplified by Prolog) programing languages to Italian secondary school students. Discussion covers learning approaches and problems, mental models, programing techniques, programing environments, and educational applications. (27…

Discusses the rationale for sharing courseware between educators, describes the problems of hardware incompatibility associated with software sharing, and introduces a multilingual interpreter system which allows instructional software implemented in different computer languages and on different machines to be shared with a minimum of work. A…

A computer-assisted instruction (CAI) curriculum module covering the area of electrical inductance was developed and evaluated. This module was a part of a program in which a series of CAI modules are being developed and tested for a Navy training course in basic electronics. After the module was written, it was given three tryout tests.…

This paper examines the structure of the Applesoft BASIC programming language and the Macintosh authoring language, HyperCard, and scrutinizes the language structures as the building blocks for moving along a chain of cognitive outcomes that culminates in the acquisition of problem solving skills which allow the programmer to learn new formal…

The pedagogical strategies of human tutors in problem solving domains are described and the possibility of incorporating these techniques into computerized tutors is examined. GIL (Graphical Instruction in LISP), an intelligent tutoring system for LISP programming, is compared to human tutors teaching the same material in order to identify how the…

In presenting lessons in music theory by computer-assisted instruction, response-sensitive programing results in greater achievement than response-insensitive programing. (Author)

Describes study of Dutch high school students that compared instructional strategies in a computer programing course. Completion strategy, which emphasized the modification and extension of existing programs, was compared with generation strategy, which emphasized the design and coding of new programs. Future research is suggested based on results…

Describes a study conducted at Iowa State University that investigated the effects of using guided programing instruction to train analogical reasoning. Two groups of students are compared who received different types of programing instruction, and the far transfer and the near transfer of instruction are explored. (35 references) (LRW)

Very little work has been done in the broad field of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to exploring the use of a minicomputer as another learning resource in the instructional process. Accordingly a cost-effective Learning Resource Aided Instruction (LRAI) System centered around a Data General NOVA minicomputer augmented with slide…

The effects of mediated Logo programing instruction on preschoolers' comprehension monitoring performances were compared with a control group which received computer instruction via games designed to foster academic skills. Changes in self-monitoring were measured on verbal and nonverbal monitoring indexes during a referential communication task…

Suggests programming structures of computer assisted instruction for teaching severely learning disabled students be related to an established educational model. Use of performance contoured programming (PCP), based upon behavioral model of precision teaching, is discussed and contrasted with cognitive programming approaches. PCP applications and…

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)

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)