Retrieval practice is a powerful way to promote long-term retention and meaningful learning. However, students do not frequently practice retrieval on their own, and when they do, they have difficulty evaluating the correctness of their responses and making effective study choices. To address these problems, we have developed a guided retrieval…

For the past few years, the authors have been working on the design and development of an online First Certificate in English (FCE) preparatory course and exam simulator in an attempt to provide a supplementary tool and resources for students aiming to achieve a B2 level of English. These materials have been designed in such a way that learners…

This study reports on creative ways of using technology in the classroom, specifically the development of multimedia courseware on World Heritage through which learners are able to upgrade their knowledge and cognition regarding historical and cultural legacies from the past, and to improve English skills. The content of the pilot courseware…

Quality assurance in instructional development demands an exhaustive formative evaluation effort and applied testing. Unfortunately, this process is expensive and requires large numbers of user testers with characteristics similar to the intended audience. This article presents a procedure for increasing the efficiency of quality assurance efforts…

"Spelling Bee" is a computer program (Applesoft Basic), suitable for grades K-3, consisting of several "modes" and 11 units of spelling words. "Modes" include Demonstration (teacher preview of lessons), Learning Management (test preparation), Tutorial (student practice), and Drill (spelling test, which can be designed to meet individual student…

The videodisc, audiodisc, overlapping instruction, mapping, adaptive testing strategies, intricate instructional branching, and complex media selection models are common expectations for quality courseware today. A two team development structure, consisting of an instructional development team and a test development team, is proposed. This paper…

Discusses trends in Web-based learning environments. Highlights include common features of existing Web-based learning environments; challenges; the large amount of available online educational material; adaptation and dynamic interaction; real-time interaction; and monitoring online testing. (LRW)

The development of a computer self-test program in geology at Macalester College, Minnesota, is described. Based on the philosophy that tests, particularly those involving no grading, are useful study devices, computers are used to make tests available to students. Ten lessons have been developed on different topics in geology, and the computer…

The final report of the 2-year project describes the development and validation of microcomputer software to help assess reading disabled elementary grade children and to provide basic reading instruction. Accomplishments of the first year included: design of the STAR Neuro-Cognitive Assessment Program which includes a reproduction of…

Discussion of the use of instructional videodiscs focuses on authoring tools that can change the original purpose of a disc. Ways in which videodiscs can be repurposed are described, including classroom presentations, testing, and interactive lesson design. Examples of videodisc software for each purpose are given. (LRW)

Podcasting has become a popular medium for accessing and assimilating information and podcasts are increasingly being used to deliver audio recordings of lectures to campus-based students. This paper describes a simple, cost-effective and file size-efficient method for producing video podcasts combining lecture slides and audio without a…

This supplement updates the first supplement to the original catalog of available PLATO systems instructional materials. The original catalog was published in April 1980 and the first supplement in November 1981. The lessons described in the current publication have been used in actual instructional situations or have had adequate testing to…

The use of computer-produced materials remote from the terminal can revitalize teaching devices and techniques such as graded exercises, precision teaching, and even conventional text. Teachers need to be aware of inconsistencies in the quality of computer software and of logistical factors involved in the adoption of computer assisted instruction…

This supplement updates the original catalog of available PLATO system instructional materials which was published in April 1980. The lessons described have been used in actual instructional situations, or have had adequate testing to guarantee that the files are in working order. Printed directly from the CERL online catalog, "unicat,"…

This comprehensive catalog of available instructional materials for use with the PLATO system lists completed lessons which have been used in actual instructional situations or have had adequate testing to ensure that the files are in working order. Printed directly from the CERL online catalog, "uicat," the information provided for each…