This is the first of what will be a regular feature presenting reviews of foreign language software and discussions of problems and perspectives in foreign language computer-assisted instruction. Gives an overview of the state of the art in microcomputer courseware and presents criteria for courseware review. (SED)

Presents a catalogue of microcomputer courseware specifically designed for use in learning German. Covers four types of software: (1) authoring systems for drill and practice, (2) drill and practice programs that are self-contained, (3) authoring systems that create game-like materials, and (4) game programs. Includes a listing of publishers and…

A review of "Using Computers in the Language Classroom" highlights the textbook's user-friendly perspective, clear language, and strong and consistent emphasis on using the computer, rather than on machinery or concepts. The textbook includes invaluable suggestions for software management. (CB)

Provides an overview of the transition from traditional, programmed instruction to computer-assisted instruction, including concepts and history affecting instructional environments. Describes the focus of articles that follow, including methods for navigating and learning from hypermedia systems; point and query interface; story-based learning…

Describes the construction of a model of computer-assisted instruction using a qualitative block diagram based on general systems theory (GST) as a framework. Subject matter representation is discussed, and appendices include system variables and system equations of the GST model, as well as an example of developing flexible courseware. (Contains…

Discussion of the development of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) using expert systems and hypertext focuses on the Physics Tutor, a prototype ITS built with off-the-shelf software to test the utility, practicality, and generalizability of the ITS concept. Expert models and student models are explained. (Contains 27 references.) (LRW)

Describes the creation and use of macros for simple computer-aided instruction using the Open Access integrated software from SPI (Software Products International, UK). Sample screen displays are included. (MES)

Two groups of 9- to 11-year-olds were asked to find and correct spelling errors, one using a typewritten story and a dictionary, the other viewing the story on a computer monitor and utilizing a spell-checker program. Although error detection rates were higher in the spell checker group than in the dictionary group, efficiency and spelling…

In this brief article, the author instructs teachers on how to produce an interactive spreadsheet from scratch in about 20 minutes and en route equip themselves and their students, with handy "Excel" skills. The aim is to introduce the basics of "Excel," plus some fun bits, speedily and with a purpose; producing something that is useful in its own…

The spectacular increase in Internet-based applications during the past decade has had a significant impact on the education delivery paradigms. The user interactivity aspect of the Internet has provided new opportunities to instructors to incorporate its use in developing new learning systems. The use of the Internet in carrying out live…

This paper describes the theoretical framework and the main objectives of the European Comenius project MuViT -- Multiliteracy Virtual. The project engages primary pupils across the world in multilingual and audiovisual reading and writing processes through the use of information technology resources to enhance multi-literacies, plurilingual…

Learning theory suggests that student learning can be improved if students are required to articulate and reflect about work that they have done. This process helps students think more clearly about their work and such articulation also enables tutors to better assess student knowledge and mental models. There are various electronic tools…

Collaboration scripts facilitate social and cognitive processes of collaborative learning by shaping the way learners interact with each other. Computer-supported collaboration scripts generally suffer from the problem of being restrained to a specific learning platform. A standardization of collaboration scripts first requires a specification of…

This article describes an activity for secondary mathematics students using digital imaging on The Geometer's Sketchpad to model polar functions of flowers. The activity presented in the appendix engages students in learning and exploring the polar coordinate system while helping them analyze a real-world situation. By completing this activity,…

A survey of 24 English-as-a-Second-Language teacher trainees in Singapore elicited their top five criteria for evaluating language-learning software and their interpretations and understanding of one criterion, "user-friendliness." It was found that in general, this was the first criterion listed for software evaluation; the others were,…