Four experiments involving 180 undergraduates evaluated the effectiveness of computer graphics in improving estimates for algebra word problems. Variations in the simulation resulted in successful and unsuccessful programs as measured by the frequency with which students improved their estimates. Quality of feedback to students while learning is…

Describes a computer-assisted instruction project used for students of German. Because the program has features built in which gives it versatility, it is beneficial to several levels of instruction in the language department and it also involves more than one faculty member in using the computer. (SL)

Discussion of the development of educational software for reading instruction focuses on seven misconceptions that reflect a misunderstanding of the reading process and a misapplication of the principles of instructional design to the teaching of reading. Highlights include electronic text versus printed text; sound-symbol correspondence;…

Elements of computer use in teaching are explored. They include equipment expense; availability of quality software; development of interactive instruction; use of graphics, color, flashing, and sound; learner response; and feedback. (CT)

Describes a computer program that allows undergraduate students to undertake nomenclature tutorials in organic chemistry, where user response is evaluated based on a set of rules that determine appropriate feedback. Design of the software is described, including the use of computer graphics, and results of students' evaluations are briefly…

A computer-based method of communicating syntactic knowledge to deaf students was designed, building on the visual orientation of deaf students and employing such American Sign Language techniques as visualization and directionality. The computer-based instructional treatments were presented as an educational game called the "Yes-No Game," with…

Assesses the advantages of computer-based instruction on speech education. Concludes that, while it offers tremendous flexibility to the instructor--especially in dynamic lesson design, feedback, graphics, and artificial intelligence--there is no inherent advantage to the use of computer technology in the classroom, unless the student interacts…

Describes the use of interactive television in distance higher education based on experiences of an accredited MBA program at Ball State University (Indiana). Discusses how graphics were designed and used to deliver accounting instruction and feedback to homework assignments. Describes the presentation software used. (AEF)

Describes the style of design of computer simulations developed by Computer Assisted Teaching Unit at Queen Mary College with reference to user interface, input and initialization, input data vetting, effective display screen use, graphical results presentation, and need for hard copy. Procedures and problems relating to academic involvement are…

Examines problems surrounding traditional assessment and evaluation in education and suggests ways to broaden the methodology as well as the validity of the assessment process. A study of elementary school students is described that used computer-generated assessment involving graphic feedback with and without text to study motivation and…

Outlines technological and cognitive considerations in the selection of authoring systems for writing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) lessons. Topics discussed include hardware selection; documentation; text display; screen appearance; branching and sequencing; text editing; graphics; animation; sound and voice input and output; student…

Explores how users interact and learn during computer-based simulations given graphical and textual forms of feedback. Graduate students were randomly assigned computer simulations with graphical feedback, textual feedback, or graphical plus textual feedback. Findings indicate that graphical feedback provides experiential learning, but that these…

This discussion of the use of microcomputers by mentally handicapped learners focuses on software availability and selection. Criteria for evaluating software are given, including considerations of visual display, reading level, program design, drill and practice opportunities, positive reinforcement, format variety, graphics, instructional…

Description of course on principles of instructional design includes model for message design which relates instructional events in computer assisted instruction to learner's cognitive processes. Guidelines cover attracting attention, specifying objectives, activating knowledge, presenting information effectively, guiding learning, eliciting…

Describes computer systems that combine drill and practice instruction with computer-managed instruction (CMI) and identifies system characteristics in four categories: (1) hardware, (2) software, (3) management systems, and (4) methods of daily operation. Topics discussed include microcomputer networks, graphics, feedback, degree of learner…