Describes four storyboard techniques frequently used in designing computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs, and explains screen display syntax (SDS), a new technique combining the major advantages of the storyboard techniques. SDS was developed to facilitate communication among designers, programmers, and editors working on a large CAI basic…

This paper explores three components of academic computing--programming, productivity tools, and computer-based education--by reviewing the past, evaluating the present, and considering the future possibilities of the field. It is suggested that the future growth of academic computing depends upon the resolution of a number of issues: (1)…

Describes how a word processor can be used as an authoring system for computer-assisted instruction exercise materials, noting that, although limited, this system can address a range of immediate classroom needs in foreign language teaching. (CB)

A discussion of computer software and courseware for second-language instruction outlines considerations for selecting software of various kinds and presents a list of selected computer programs. Suggestions are made for choosing text-specific software, non-text-specific software intended for language instruction, word processors intended for…

A guide to courseware authoring aids for computer-assisted language instruction (CALIS) gives suggestions for the selection and use of programing options and provides an annotated listing of those options. Introductory sections discuss the use of computer-assisted language teaching, the selection of quality courseware, the types of authoring aids…

Two French computer software packages that can be of assistance in teaching French-as-a-Second-Language are described and discussed. One, an authoring aid, contains the format for a series of dialogues and comprehension questions. The other allows the production and manipulation of databases and texts. (MSE)

Outlines technological and cognitive considerations in the selection of authoring systems for writing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) lessons. Topics discussed include hardware selection; documentation; text display; screen appearance; branching and sequencing; text editing; graphics; animation; sound and voice input and output; student…

An overview is presented of the ways in which various types of computer software and instructional strategies can be used effectively with English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) adult literacy learners. Computer use in language and literacy development in general is first reviewed. It is then noted that in spite of the progress made in hardware and…

Writers who compose on computers have often complained of the difficulty they have in evaluating and correcting their work on the screen, particularly if the changes necessary are large, structural ones. A study of six freshman composition students and five writers experienced with computer writing examined how each used hard copy printouts of…

An experimental program for university summer students of French as a second language that provided a computer resource center and a variety of courseware, authoring aids, and other software for student use is described and the problems and advantages are discussed. (MSE)

Discussion of the use of microcomputer-assisted instruction for advanced college writing courses emphasizes word processing exercises and programmed lessons. Topics discussed include computer writing labs, local area networks, commercially available software for writing instruction, teacher developed programs, and authoring languages and authoring…

The controversy over appropriate educational uses of computers is framed along a continuum based on the amount of support provided to the user. Software programs in which the user's role is to respond in a pre-determined structure (program controlled software) anchors one end of the continuum, while software which empowers the user to create new…

Reviews research on the efficacy of word processing programs in teaching students how to revise their papers and speculates on what kinds of programs will be available in the future. (JC)

Much of the computer software currently available for English teachers fails to assess adequately computer strengths and weaknesses. Labeled "wimpy software," these products are often little more than animated textbooks whose lesson formats exercise little higher-order reasoning. The future for good quality software, therefore, rests with English…

This overview of computer based education (CBE) in China mentions pioneering work before describing recent activities in university-based research and development and the expansion of CBE into primary and secondary education. Developments in authoring and word processing systems in Chinese characters and problems to be faced are also discussed.…