Discusses how to design effective user interfaces for computer-based training (CBT) programs. Four types of interfaces are described: presentation, including consistency; conversation, including feedback and flexibility; navigation; and explanation, including online help. A job aid for evaluating CBT interfaces is included. (Contains 13…

Members of 24 work groups (n=186) were randomly assigned to facilitated team building with computers; facilitated team building without computers; or meetings without facilitators or computers. Both facilitated groups rated group process higher, but the positive effects did not last over time. (SK)

This survey elicited experts' perceptions of factors affecting development and use of interactive technologies. Responses from 196 respondents were categorized as hardware/technology, software/programs, acceptance/adoption, accessibility/ease of use, and instruction/learning/communication issues. Based on this categorization, a model of…

Describes fiber optic cables and coaxial cables and considers when each would be appropriate for educational technology. Single mode versus multimode fiber optics are explained, advantages and disadvantages of each type of cable are discussed, and guidelines for choosing fiber optic cables and coaxial cables are offered. (LRW)

Telematics, the combined use of computers and telecommunications networks, is increasingly becoming part of the vocabulary of trade unions. Workers' organizations are using telematics for mailing lists, information dissemination, telecourses, and computer conferencing. (SK)

Discussion of knowledge constructionism focuses on LEGO TC logo, a program that permits control of LEGO toys by means of a computer. A project for 9- and 10-year-old students that uses LEGO TC logo to develop concepts related to automatic control systems is explained. (three references) (LRW)

Attempts to show that the use of computers in the classroom should not be limited to the teaching of math but that the language classroom is an even more appropriate place for the introduction and use of computers. (CFM)

Evaluation of the cost effectiveness of a revised curriculum using computer-based training (CBT) in the Dutch postal service found cost savings and satisfactory training results, implying that CBT is an effective strategy for complex work organizations training considerable numbers of employees. (SK)

Describes a basic development model for an intelligent tutoring system that includes the interface, the expert and learner models, and the pedagogical model. Possibilities for more extensive integration of cognitive learning theories into computer-based instruction (CBI) are illustrated, and two examples of CBI designed from this perspective are…

Describes an Environment for Courseware Use (ECU), an information system that requires that a courseware product be adaptable within the environment in which it is going to be used. The use of computers in educational organizations is discussed; the use of adaptable products in an ECU is considered, and information modeling of environments for…

Gives historical background of the achievement of Ellis Page and his attempt to create a means by which computers could be used for analyzing and evaluating student writings. Provides critical reception of the original studies by Page. Discusses three current computer approaches to the task of evaluating student writing. (HB)

Discusses elements involved in the visual design of the computer-learner interface. Topics discussed include the need for consistency in screen layout; information representation, including accuracy in images and visual cuing strategies; and menu selection interfaces, or command representations, including their placement on the screen. (11…

At the New England Conservatory of Music, computer-assisted instruction is used not only to teach harmony through collaborative learning and aural feedback, but also to bring the roles of composer, performer, and audience closer together. (SK)

Discusses factors to be considered when planning and implementing a local area network (LAN) for personal computers within a school or an organization. Topics addressed include reasons for networking, characteristics of LANs, organizing a LAN, workstations, disk servers, and file servers. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

A recent development in aviation is the personal computer aviation training device (PC-ATD). This article provides an overview of instructional multimedia for pilot training, specifically for enhancing situational awareness (SA), a state in which a pilot's perceptions match reality. Discusses how PC-based trainers can be used to familiarize pilots…