Shows how guidelines from Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" can be used to evaluate computer-based projects in the schools. Guidelines include caring about the project, viewing it from the perspective of the specialist and the common person, and being systematic in approach. (KRN)

This volume is an exposition of a mathematical modeling technique for use in the evaluation and solution of complex educational problems at all levels. It explores in detail the application of simple algebraic techniques to such issues as program reduction, fiscal rollbacks, and computer curriculum planning. Part I ("Introduction to the…

The major advantages in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) are the potential for the individualization of instruction and the savings in instructional time. CAI's major disadvantages include the large amount of time required for course development, personnel required, initial outlay of funds, and the total cost. Other disadvantages, due to the…

Briefly reviews the development of microcomputers and their impact on education. Future applications in the classroom are discussed as well as techniques to evaluate the effect of using microcomputer systems. (BK)

A framework for examining the effectiveness of different types of educational computing environments addresses the conceptual characteristics of the knowledge domain being learned and the learner's stage of knowledge. Characteristics of certain technology-based learning environments (computer-based drill, intelligent tutoring systems, hypertext)…

This paper presents an Evaluation Scale which is applicable to various types of educational Web sites. It consists of three parts: composition of the site (concerned with general characteristics, presentation and illustration of information, and user's impression); pedagogical aspects; and curriculum-related aspects. Twenty-seven biology teachers…

Four essential steps for integrating computer technology into a school districts' reading curriculum--needs assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation--are described in terms of what educators can do at the district and building level to facilitate optimal instructional conditions for students. With regard to needs assessment,…

The instruments used in the evaluation of Project C-BE (computer-based instruction) are presented and described in this report. A brief description of each instrument, its purpose, developmental history, references and reliability studies are provided. These instruments were administered to Project C-BE classes in an attempt to identify…

The major hypotheses of this experiment were that students who play a computer game in teams of two or three will perform at least as well as those who play the game individually, and that teams of two or three students will be at least as successful in the game as individual students. Sixth graders of high academic ability were divided into four…

This paper presents and evaluates different types of student assessment measures--including discussion-generating questions, multiple choice questions, essay questions, and authentic projects--for on-line courses. The paper asserts that assessment should mimic how students will be evaluated on the job site in the real world, meaning that they…

The monograph reports the problem, design, and findings of graduate student research directly related to adult basic education teacher training. The objectives of this experiment were to assess: (1) the degree of relationship among reinforcement, learning, and self-concept for adults using computer assisted instruction (CAI); (2) changes in…

The purpose of this handbook is to help vocational education teachers improve the computer skills of their students. The handbook is divided into major sections that describe the concept, provide suggestions for development of the concept, and include a sampling of the variety of application-oriented activities appropriate to vocational education.…

This conference presentation outlines some of the important factors for teachers to consider when selecting software and hardware to be used as teaching tools in the vocational education classroom and as a means for teaching about the occupational applications of microcomputers. Addressed in a discussion of methods and criteria for evaluating…

This report describes an analytic training Device Effectiveness Forecasting Technique known as DEFT. DEFT accounts for device effectivness in terms of several different criteria and classes of independent predictor variables. In its present form, DEFT is a series of interactive, menu-driven computer programs that provide for three levels of device…

The problem of enabling a teaching machine to adapt to the individual characteristics of students in presenting course material has been considered--general outlines of computer algorithms and decision criteria have been formulated. It is assumed that there exists both an ordered set of concepts which comprise the material to be learned and, for…