The use of interactive graphics in computer-aided instruction systems is discussed with emphasis placed on two requirements of such a system. The first is the need to provide the teacher with a useful tool with which to design and modify teaching sessions tailored to the individual needs and capabilities of the students. The second is the…

The interactive system for creating graphic displays that is described is presented as one solution to the problem created by the lack of complementary firmware or software to make the graphic capabilities of many current terminals easily accessible to the instructional programmer. The use of this system by the Digital Equipment Corporation's…

A general description is provided of the "geometric dictionary," a graphic display aid, used by the Computer-Assisted Instruction Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University. The purpose of the description is to enable the reader to duplicate and use the dictionary on any cathode ray tube terminal of the IBM 1500 system. The major…

A new system of computer-assisted instruction (CAI), developed at Whitworth College, is proposed called PIRATS. It is said to have the following advantages: (1) it uses an author language; (2) it provides facility for branching and responses to unpredicted answers; (3) lesson text is prepared off-line; (4) pictures can be used to accompany the…

Two studies (N=56) assessed an instruction program designed to teach elementary school children a complex computer-programming skill--how to debug LOGO graphics and listing-processing programs. The use of a precise computer simulation model proved to be the crux of the instructional model's success. (TJH)

PATN is a design for a machine problem solver which uses an augmented transition network (ATN) to represent planning knowledge. In order to explore PATN's potential as a theory of human problem solving, a linguistic approach to protocol analysis is presented. An interpretation of a protocol is taken to be a parse tree supplemented by semantic and…

This paper is a report of a pilot project in which a microcomputer was placed in a sixth grade classroom for eight weeks for the purpose of developing logical thinking skills. Students were first given instruction on how to program the APPLE II microcomputer to draw color graphics designs; they were then given similar problems to solve using the…

Discusses the rich potential of Logo (a computer programing system for children) and particularly LogoWriter (its word processor) as learning tools in the language arts. Cautions against their use as rote exercises. (SR)

Discusses the impact of the presentation of data on the educational effectiveness of computer assisted learning systems, describes some of the existing systems for controlling the display of instructional data on CRTs, and outlines a project undertaken at the University of Western Ontario to exploit the capabilities of microcomputer color…

Discusses the use of color computer graphics in teaching computer programing in the data processing department at Florida A and M University. A description of the course of study for data processing majors at the University is included. (JJD)

A series of six functions and a station command have been designed to enable Coursewriter II authors to use the plotting capability of the IBM instructional system in presenting course material. This capability has been augmented to include the ability to graph mathematical functions or other data on the 1510 terminal. Documentation of the Plot…

A computer-assisted drill program designed to give German vocabulary drill is presented. It was written by a high school student and is an example of a file oriented program in which the main master program remains fixed while the vocabulary words to be drilled can be changed at any time either by the teacher or by the student. Some polar…

Discusses the use of Lotus 1-2-3 to create non-stop graphic displays of simulation models. Describes a simple application of this technique using the distribution resulting from repeated throws of dice. Lists other software used with this technique. Stresses the advantages of this approach in education. (CW)

Discusses computer assisted foreign language instruction. Describes what to look for in computers and gives common problems in hardware and software. Discusses future technology that will be useful in foreign language classrooms. (EKN)

Discusses factors that must be considered when designing educational software for international, multicultural use. Basic design principles are examined, including graphics and content; system factors are described, including language; cultural differences are discussed; instructional strategies are considered; and the software development process…