Describes an interactive simulated hypothetical instructional computer that significantly improves the student's understanding of how a computer works and how high-level language constraints are handled by essentially simple machines. (Author/IRT)

Computer-assisted instruction that uses open ended questions and calls for answers in natural language is the preferred method of instruction in many training situations. A novel authoring tool has been developed to meet the specific needs of open ended computerized instruction. This program, named CASIP, is essentially a single purpose…

This report describes the development of computer programs called user agents, which, through interaction with users, can either learn new facts and store them in a data base or learn new procedures for data manipulation and represent them as programs. These programs are written in RITA, the Rule-directed Interactive Transaction Agent system, and…

Discussion of intelligent tutoring systems highlights various instructional models which emphasize experiential interactions. Topics discussed include computer assisted instruction; instructional strategies; the TICCIT system; branching; the Socratic method; definitions of tutoring and instruction; students' interactions with the computer; advisor…

Reviews studies investigating the relation between personality characteristics and human-computer interaction. The review is divided into three areas: (1) how personality traits are related to programing aptitude and achievement; (2) personality traits of people who use program skills in their profession; and (3) the relation between personality…

Four key areas in the design of computer-based training are transfer of training, interactivity, development of problem-solving skills, and stimulation of learner interest. (SK)

Discussion of the social role that computers play in the classroom focuses on an empirical study of human-computer interaction. Classes of high school and undergraduate students are described that were chosen to examine interactivity patterns among students with significantly different social characteristics. (11 references) (LRW)

In their eight years of involvement in Computer Assisted Learning, the Division of Education Research Services has assisted many authors in developing their courseware. Whether the courseware has been a short half hour module or a large course involving over a hundred hours of student time, there have been many common problems. A major objective…

The Multilingual Interpreter (MI), a language processor capable of executing more than one language, is being used at Western Washington State College to enhance interactive computing for computer-assisted instructional (CAI) users. The MI's two major functions are, first, that of scanning and translating a source language into internal…

The need for traps, a program routine which checks the validity of the user's response to the computer's request for input, in Computer Assisted Learning Packages, is discussed. Several example traps are described. (MK)

This paper follows the evaluation of a system of student performance analyses programs which has advanced from a crude manual system to an easy to use, on-line, interactive system. Recently, emphasis has focused upon the development of a system which requires little computer expertise on the part of the author to obtain a concise, easy to read…

This first in a projected series of five articles discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on education. Highlights include the history of artificial intelligence and the impact of microcomputers; learning processes; human factors and interfaces; computer assisted instruction and intelligent tutoring systems; logic programing; and expert…

Teachers of telecommunications, broadcasting, and especially video and film production, are best able to lead the development of computer interactive multimedia instruction. Interactive instruction exists on three levels: (1) a videotape player with rewind, fast-forward, search, pause, and play capabilities; (2) a videodisc or laser disc player…

This paper reviews briefly the essential characteristics of both invitational education and computer assisted instruction (CAI) and the ways in which coordination of these two models can produce stimulating and valuable educational experiences for students. A matrix illustrates the characteristics of CAI which can support the major values of…

The latest computer-based instruction (CBI) systems are technically feasible and can teach a variety of subject areas to students ranging in grade level from kindergarten to college. However, CBI is still largely in the research and development state. There are few, if any CBI systems in regular operational use. As a consequence, there is little…