Written expression is a neglected but critical component of education; yet, the writing process--from prewriting, to writing, and postwriting--is often an area of struggle for students with disabilities. One strategy to assist students with disabilities struggling with the writing process is the use of computer-based technology. This article…

Discusses difficulties of producing computer assisted learning (CAL) software economically. Proposed as a solution, modular programing is illustrated by describing production of a matrix algebra package. Use of special CAL modules and facilities provided by subroutine libraries are cited, and development of a package to teach matrix theory is…

Critiques the Henry Levin and Gail Meister article on cost effectiveness, pointing out that differences in computing the costs of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) yield different results. Also describes problems with other data in the study. Includes two tables. (MD)

Discusses economic issues that affect the portability of educational software. Topics discussed include economic reasons for portability, including cost effectiveness; the nature and behavior of educational computer software markets; the role of producers, buyers, and consumers; potential effects of government policies; computer piracy; and…

Examines characteristics of the successful computer assisted instruction (CAI) author, including knowledge required and time for planning, developing, and testing. Obstacles to successful teacher-author are described, including need for extensive training and uninterrupted free time. An alternative approach of teamwork between computer…

This discussion of the use of computer-assisted instruction in universities focuses on the quality of motion video used in hypermedia educational software. An evaluation experiment shows that end-users are not deterred by lower quality motion video that costs less. (LRW)

Explains courseware abstraction as a method of creating generalized computer assisted learning (CAL) lessons that can then be applied to provide as many concrete examples as desired. Topics discussed include generative CAL; cost efficiency; lesson verification; student evaluation; and factually exhaustive lessons. (nine references) (LRW)

Provides an overview of the articles in this special issue, which deals with the portability, or transferability, of educational computer software. Motivations for portable software relating to cost, personnel, and time are discussed, and factors affecting portability are described, including technical factors, educational factors, social/cultural…

Discusses repurposing content for computer-assisted instruction. Topics addressed include cost reduction; cost effectiveness; instructional quality and consistency; design issues; database design, including organizing information for repurposing and the use of courseware; and examples derived from multimedia and hypermedia applications. (LRW)

Discusses some of the causes of critical attitudes toward drill and practice forms of computer-assisted language learning (CALL); considers the consequences of this attitude toward CALL; and suggests criteria for the continued development and use of efficient drill and practice forms in CALL, including user needs and low cost. (Contains 13…

Describes reasons for developing combined text and computer assisted instruction (CAI) teaching programs for delivery of continuing education to laboratory professionals, and mechanisms used for developing a CAI program on method evaluation in the clinical laboratory. Results of an evaluation of the software's cost effectiveness and instructional…

Evaluates six "open" (empty of content and customized by users) software programs using the literature-based characteristics of documentation, learner control, branching capabilities, portability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Interviewed computer-knowledgeable individuals to confirm the legitimacy of the evaluative characteristics. (LRW)

The last decade has brought about a major change in higher education. Course design has developed from a craftsmanship-like process to a structured production, which involves interdisciplinary teams and requires more complex communication skills. This conceptual article introduces E[superscript 2]ML--Educational Environment Modeling Language--a…

While disputing the exaggerated claims for computerized teaching symbolized by Time Magazine's choice of a computer for its 1982 "man of the year," this paper argues that since the technology is omnipresent, and that since it can facilitate learning under certain conditions, teachers should be as informed about it as possible. A discussion of…

Describes the experiences of Rider College School of Business Administration in implementing the use of microcomputers for courses in the business curriculum. Topics discussed include student purchase of microcomputers; cost effectiveness; software considerations; security for student equipment; printers; large screen projection facilities; and…