The systematic evaluation process used in Georgia's DeKalb County School System to purchase comprehensive instructional software--an integrated learning system (ILS)--is described, and the decision-making model for selection is presented. Selection and implementation of an ILS were part of an instructional technology plan for the DeKalb schools…

The use of student proctors or tutors for a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) has been considered essential; however, the cost of tutorial training programs may be prohibitive. In an attempt to develop an equivalent but less expensive alternative, students (N=219) participated in an evaluation of the use of a VAX computer system as a…

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of the computer-assisted and computer-based instructional methods on students achievement at computer classes and on their attitudes towards using computers. The study, which was completed in 6 weeks, were carried out with 94 sophomores studying in formal education program of Primary…

Two pilot studies probed effectiveness of linguistically controlled, highly visual computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for English grammar instruction with hearing-impaired high school students (N=29 in the first study and N=71 in the second). Results from the first study suggested that state-of-the-art CAI designed specifically for use with this…

To characterize the influence of various constraints on students' composing processes, a study investigated the (1) type of instructions students received prior to their composing and revising sessions, (2) mode of production--whether a computer or paper and pencil was used for composition and revision, and (3) effect of skill level on students'…

While individualized learning strategies typically provide large amounts of instructional support, they also reply heavily on learner judgement to determine the amount of support required to achieve an objective. Frequently, these strategies result in high achievers selecting too much support and low achievers selecting too little. Interest in…

A study evaluated the effects of one reading software program on the written language production of kindergarten and first grade students. Subjects were approximately 600 students from six different schools--three using the computerized reading program, Writing to Read, and three comparable in demographics, but not using the program. Stories…

To date, the majority of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) systems for achievement and aptitude testing have been based on the dichotomous item response models. However, current research with polychotomous model-based CATs is yielding promising results. This study extends previous work on nominal response model-based CAT (NR CAT) and compares…

This study was conducted to assist in the selection of a system of computer based instruction to supplement Strategic Weapon System (SWS) laboratory simulation training at the TRIDENT Training Facility. Three phases to the process were defined. In Phase I, an analysis was performed to define the training objectives for the supplemental computer…

A comparative analysis was made of two vastly different educational innovations: the children's television program "Sesame Street," and the computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs of the Institute for Mathematical Studies in the Social Sciences. The study was complicated by their distinct objectives and by their widely different…

Plans for the evaluation of the Time Shared Interactive Computer-Controlled Information Television System (TICCIT) and Programed Logic for Automatic Operations (PLATO) are discussed. These projects represent attempts to implement innovative curricular systems and to demonstrate the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction. Plans for the…

Ninety-six 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students, randomly selected to include equal numbers from each grade level, from both sexes, and from each ability quartile were randomly assigned to either experimental or control procedures. The experimental group used the computer to select courses, while the control group was assisted by the counselor.…

Compares the use of four different versions of a map by fourth and fifth grade students with a computerized adventure game which simulated an environmental exploration. Variables examined included type of map and student gender, ability to learn place location information while playing the game, and enjoyment of the game. (RP)

In a study evaluating the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction simulations, which used special education administration simulations with 98 high- and low-achieving college students, significant differences were not obtained between simulation and the standard objective question module. Students favored the latter module. More time was…

Discusses how to examine and evaluate claims of improved academic performance in advertisements for computer-assisted instruction. Highlights include the proper use of comparison groups; types of statistical analyses; the Hawthorne effect; the interpretation of scores; interpreting graphic presentations; tests of significance; and cost…