This article discusses steps in incorporating computer technology into activity-based thematic units in a preschool classroom for children with and without disabilities. The discussion focuses on teaching young children to learn together, choosing appropriate software, and selecting activities to generalize computer learning. (JDD)

Considers metacognition as a basis for software used in computer-assisted instruction. Topics discussed include the role of the teacher as a facilitator of higher order thinking skills; cognitive tools for learner support; learning theory and instructional design, including behaviorism, information processing, and constructivism; two software…

Reviews four current software titles recommended for use in the ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) classroom: Story Club; Steps to English Language Development; ELLIS Senior Mastery; and Madison Stories--After the Auction. Several other software packages of value in the ESL classroom are also described. (SLW)

Discusses the costs of producing durable educational software in an academic environment and describes an optimized software life cycle that has been implemented at the University of Cambridge (England) Engineering Department. Topics addressed include needs assessment; specifications; program design; implementation and testing; feedback; and…

Reviews two multimedia software programs. One allows the user to dissect a frog, the other creates print-based documents such as posters, greeting cards, banners, and calendars. (AEF)

Educational microworlds are defined and their potential for developing learners' thought processes is hypothesized to be more realizable than has previously been thought. A structured programing methodology that uses a point-and-click technique and that requires little syntactic sophistication on the part of the participant is presented. (LB)

Considers the possibility of designing CAI (computer-assisted instruction) systems that are managed by semantic networks. Topics discussed include general descriptions of the suggested approach, lesson-presentation modes, and the architecture of a CAI system managed by a semantic network. (10 references) (MES)

Discusses whether educators should write their own computer-assisted instructional software, and describes four basic categories of tools teachers can use to produce courseware: (1) traditional programing languages; (2) authoring languages, including hypertext authoring languages; (3) authoring systems; and (4) authoring aids. Each category is…

Presents the geometric, software-ergonomic, and educative standards for interactive graphics systems envisioned for planimetric constructions and calculations in secondary mathematics instruction. Describes the geometric-didactic potentials of the MS DOS-Version 1.6 of CABRI-Gomtre which is an Intelligent Tutoring System with the possibilities for…

Study examined the impact of word processing on sixth graders' writing and revision skills. Students used pencil and paper or word processors, or both, to write and revise compositions. There were significant revision differences. Word processing students corrected more and made fewer errors. Overall writing quality did not differ significantly.…

Presented is an overview of "Boxer," a multipurpose computational user-friendly medium, the focus of this special issue presenting research involving its use. With its roots in LOGO, the design of Boxer is described and an overview of the articles in the issue is given. (MDH)

Discusses the relevance of computer games to the design of computer-based training materials. Highlights include intrinsic motivation and computer-based games; the cultural distinction between work and recreation; the transient motivational effect of games; the differences in use of computer systems; hypermedia authoring systems; and virtual…

Discusses the possibilities for improving courseware and the courseware engineering process using visualization. Advantages and disadvantages of visualization are considered, including psychological, instructional, motivational, cross-cultural, and technical aspects; visual programming systems are described; adaptation and rapid prototyping are…

This paper describes a speech teaching aid developed to assist in foreign language pronunciation teaching. The methodology used in designing the graphical user interface and the teaching plans are described, and the technical aspects (algorithms used, hardware requirements, etc.) are briefly discussed. (36 references) (JL)

Discusses bias in educational computer software by using examples of database programs to illustrate their cultural selection and amplification functions. Forms of knowledge control are examined, and results of a study that analyzed how gender, ethnicity, and the global perspective are portrayed in educational computer software are reported.…