Reviews the current status of educational software. Only a small percentage of programs available is of high quality. The potential of educational computing is at a crucial juncture during the next two years. (MD)

Noting that many language arts teachers have rejected tutorial software because of its inability to interact effectively with students, this paper explores implications of artificial intelligence research for human/computer interaction in reading instruction. Limitations of "exact match" curriculum designs in contemporary attempts to provide…

Presents a methodology for the development of educational software for use in secondary education based on the characteristics of the students and the curricular objectives. Topics discussed include desirable features of educational software and the engineering of educational software, including its interdisciplinary nature. (Contains 10…

Based on observation, interviews, and questionnaires, the first section of this paper discusses lessons learned while watching teachers use the first set of "The Voyage of the Mini" materials (a video, computer, and print package). The focus is on the need to create an environment that will support an inquiry-based curriculum. The second section…

Outlines the current status of computer hardware and software available to educators. Presents two very different, but possible, scenarios for the future of computers in education. (MD)

This paper discusses how a university designed, developed, and delivered a feature-rich Web-based course for undergraduate plant biology. In the design stage, the focus centered around curriculum design, content development, and media acquisition. Instructors, including faculty and graduate assistants of plant biology, served as content experts,…

With the increasing use of instructional designers as pedagogical experts for eLearning activities within institutions of higher education, it is important we learn as much as possible about designing and developing effective instructional design across the disciplines. When instructional designers are employed as pedagogical experts but not…

Designed to assist educators in planning for the use of microcomputers in their schools, this guide begins with a brief statement of a philosophy for the use of computers in education. The main positions expressed by this philosophy are that students must have the opportunity to learn about the role of technology in society and to acquire the…

Describes the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program, which replaces drill and practice with thinking skills activities for grades three through six. The HOTS curriculum, which is built around commercially available software, is reviewed; special teaching techniques that emphasize teacher-student dialog are presented; and benefits for at-risk…

Takes a historical look at technology in the language classroom, from the perspectives of students, teachers, administrators, researchers, and curriculum and materials designers. Emphasizes that the successful use of technology depends upon teachers' capability to incorporate it effectively in their programs and on the development of imaginative…

Discusses implementation of computer-mediated-communication (CMC) and the language computing skills students need to acquire for cross-cultural e-mail exchanges. CMC syllabus design within the Japanese English-as-a-foreign-language university context and within a second language acquisition research framework is also discussed. (Author/VWL)

Warns that educational software suffers in quality because programmers have generally ignored the role of the curriculum. Recommends steps for developing computer assisted instructional software and describes the roles of content experts, designers, and programmers in the process. (TW)

Describes a curriculum program designed to encourage sixth-grade students to think about issues from a variety of perspectives and make informed decisions. Discusses the incorporation of computer software from the "Decisions, Decisions" series into the instructional process. Outlines the components of the curriculum, provides an evaluation of the…

Identifies desirable features that should be included in software for effective instructional computing use. Highlights include design of learning activities; curriculum role; modes of instruction, including drill and practice, tutorials, games, simulation, and problem solving; branching; menu driven programs; screen displays; graphics; teacher…

In developing a model for institutional assessment, John Wood Community College (JWCC), in Quincy, Illinois, decided to use student learning as the foundation of evaluation, as opposed to the activities and services offered by the college. This performance-based approach to institutional assessment was then expanded to reshape the process by which…