Seven components of an authoring system for interactive computer-assisted instruction are described: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, monitors, and a videodisc player; (2) videodiscs purchased for "repurposing," i.e., using frames of clips from the videodisc to illustrate the instructional program; (3) program options for the instructor;…

This paper describes the MAIS and presents the BASIC programming code for the heuristic employed in this expert tutor management system, which is based on the findings of investigations of the direct connections among such learning environment factors as individual differences, cognitive learning theory, instructional technology, subject matter…

The past few years have seen a proliferation of microcomputers and a reduction in their cost. Many children have microcomputers in their homes and have learned their use in playing games and solving problems. Among these programs are those designed to improve reading skills, many of which are somewhat poorly conceived and prepared, often being…

This study focuses on the effectiveness of "Solutions Unlimited," a computer software program developed to teach problem solving to middle level students. Fifty-one fourth, fifth, and sixth graders (21 girls and 30 boys) attending a private school in a small mid-west community were the subjects for this experiment; none had received…

Three aspects to be considered when teaching a one-semester beginning economics statistics course are coverage, mastery, and applications. There is a difference between coverage and mastery. Moreover, mastery is not an end in itself; instructors must consider how statistics courses will influence students' approaches to other subjects and…

This background paper for a symposium on the school of the future reviews the current instructional applications of computers in the classroom (the computer as a means or the subject of instruction), and suggests strategies that administrators might use to move toward viewing the computer as a productivity tool for students, i.e., its use for word…

Noting that composition teachers would like computers in order to facilitate the mechanics of writing, analyze text, and correct problems, this paper argues that classroom computer applications are limited because computers cannot analyze text the way a reader would. The paper first posits that readers look at text in terms of semantics and…

The report describes a project examining computer-assisted instruction for severely/multiply handicapped students. An underlying thrust of the project was to provide multiply handicapped children with opportunities to learn to control events as part of their daily activities. The approach featured 26 pupils (5-21 years old) using three activities:…

In an examination of the opinions and needs of special educators regarding computer instructional uses for learning disabled students, 353 teachers, including special education and regular class educators, responded to a questionnaire about concerns and perceptions of computer uses for learning disabled students. Results indicated the continuing…

The Technology in Education Program, established in 1970, was purposed to help college teachers test the instructional uses of new communication technologies. Preliminary results have been encouraging, although there are problems in training opportunities, technology refinements, and software development. (LBH)

Winners of a contest run by the EDUCOM Software Initiative, a project to promote development and dissemination of instructional software for higher education, are identified. Criteria included the appropriateness of the software for use in higher education, its reliability, appeal and ease of use, etc. (MLW)

Offers some suggestions for using a microcomputer in class when only one work station is available. (JC)

Summarizes a teaching experiment in which two data management software packages--PFS:File and PFS:Reports, were adapted for classroom instruction to introduce social studies vocabulary concepts using the semantic feature method. (HTH)

This checklist provides guidelines for designing computer screen displays and evaluating those designed by others. The checklist covers three important aspects of designing a computer screen display: how the screen looks, how the screen interacts with users, and evaluating the screen. (MBR)

Used Knefelkamp's and Slepitza's (1976) model of career-related intellectual development to investigate how students at different levels of development think as they interact with a computer-assisted career guidance system, DISCOVER II, which comprises modules on understanding interests, values, and abilities; searching for occupations based on…