The review of four recent studies which examined the effects of instructional design variables in computer assisted instruction (drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation) for mildly handicapped secondary students found statistically significant differences for the experimental treatments in three of the studies indicating the importance of…

This article reviews the use of computer-based technology in teaching reading to students with disabilities. Research from the last 10 years is examined using the metaphors of Tutor, Tool, and Agent as categories of instructional purpose. Most of the substantive data supporting computer use concerns drill and practice and tutorial assisted…

Discusses various ways microcomputers can increase the efficiency of classroom instruction and learning, including, among others, reducing administrative/clerical tasks and conducting drill/tutoring sessions for students. (DC)

This article reviews five modes of computer-assisted software so that teachers will be more aware of them and use computers more in their classrooms. The five modes are the following: (1) drill and practice; (2) tutorial; (3) simulation; (4) demonstration; and (5) instructional games. Teachers should review softwares and choose those that meet…

Examines English programs in three areas of computer assisted instruction--drill and practice, tutorials, and dialogue systems. (JL)

A review of 21 research studies on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in mathematics with students having learning disabilities found that drill and practice formats have predominated over game, tutorial, or simulation formats. Overall, CAI was found to be an effective medium for mathematics instruction. Suggestions for further research and for…

Research on computers in schools is reviewed. The findings include the following: (1) 53 percent of schools have computers; (2) restructuring classroom schedules and revising inservice programs would expand computer use; (3) software packages should allow for individual differences; (4) publishers are coordinating software with curriculum; and (5)…

This report summarizes a series of eight research studies related to the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with mildly handicapped students at the junior high or high school level. Through videodisc and CAI the studies isolated the effects of the following design variables: (1) review cycles; (2) size of teaching sets; (3) explicit…

A computer-assisted instructional program used at the United States Naval Academy to provide students in introductory physics with practice in problem-solving is described. The author first discusses the rationale for using a time-shared, tutorial approach and presents the steps involved in building a tutorial problem drill. Following this, the…

The current state of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in kindergarten through grade 12 is discussed. Four formats for CAI--drill, practice, tutorial, and simulation--are defined, and a set of criteria for distinguishing between effective and ineffective CAI are described. Comparisons are made between human and computer tutors. In response to…

Provides a behaviorist's approach to learning with the microcomputer. Considers the philosophy of dealing with computer learning including: drill and practice, using a word processor, problem solving, remedial work, simulations, tutorials, computer managed instruction, computer literacy, and inservice education. (MVL)

Investigated the effects of group size and exposure time in the use of a commercially prepared tutorial program or drill-and-practice software by 168 fifth and sixth graders. Found that exposure time was related to students' scores on posttests. Results suggested a need to examine allocated time in microcomputer learning situations. (LB)

This research-based review discusses effective computer applications for students with mental disabilities. Most computer-based instruction currently in use is of a drill-and-practice variety, which is needed to develop fluency in basic academic skills. Studies conducted on math fluency indicate that when students are using counting strategies to…