Demonstrates that instruction software is a public good, in the economic sense, and that the instruction programs now in use make up a stock which will be fully utilized only if certain public overhead is incurred. The implications of this analysis are examined. (Author/CMV)

Discusses intervention modules for use with computer software and describes the development of an intelligent advisor system, or help system, to aid a user in developing a conceptual data model using the entity-relation method and graphics software. Knowledge acquisition is discussed, and an example of an advisor intervention is given. (49…

Although prior research has shown that generating explanations encourages students to learn new content with deeper understanding and to monitor their own comprehension more effectively, helping students learn how to explain properly remains a significant challenge. This study investigated the use of software agents as learning partners in an…

Describes computer assisted learning (CAL) packages written in FORTRAN IV and developed for use in a degree course in civil engineering dealing with hydraulics and structures. All are used in the interactive mode through a terminal with a keyboard and visual display unit. (Author/CMV)

Proposes a programing design curriculum based on three conceptual areas: process, symbolic representation, and methods of interpretation; and describes computer games and simulations in which design skills of simple and conditional sequencing, rule or constraint specification, hypothesis testing, and modeling are employed. (Author/CMV)

This paper compares several interface evaluation methods applied in the case of a computer based learning (CBL) environment, during a longitudinal study performed in three European countries, Greece, Germany, and Holland, and within the framework of an EC funded Leonardo da Vinci program. The paper firstly considers the particularities of the CBL…

Argues that advent of computer-aided instruction (CAI) systems for teaching introductory computer programing makes it imperative that software be developed to automate assessment and grading of student programs. Examples of typical student programing problems are given, and application of the Unix tools Lex and Yacc to the automatic assessment of…

This study assessed the effectiveness of using a CALL lesson (Computer Assisted Language Learning) over a conventional lesson to facilitate learning of English prepositions at Bario, Malaysia. CALL was developed by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia as support material to enhance learning of English prepositions. Both the conventional and the…

A study was conducted to develop systematic methods for improving computer assisted learning (CAL) materials by comparing five coursewares produced by independent authors and related to high school math, science, and engineering. An evaluation instrument for improving CAL materials was developed. (Author/CMV)

Discusses the design of computational exercises useful for a course in numerical methods for chemists. Some of the exercises make use of available programs while others require the student to write programs incorporating numerical routines. The emphasis throughout is on the use of numerical methods to solve chemical problems. (Author)

With the strong link between programming and the underlying technology, the incorporation of computer technology into the teaching of a programming language course should be a natural progression. However, the abstract nature of programming can make such integration a difficult prospect to achieve. As a result, the main development tool, the…

Discussion of past, present, and future of computer-based teaching at the undergraduate level addresses psychological, economic, and political barriers to progress; educational potential and objectives; technological developments and new organizing principles in software fostering computer-based teaching; and correct environment, support,…

Describes a Centre Mondial Informatique et Resources Humaines (CIMRH) investigation of kindergarten children's written language learning and links between play and learning. Computer software was used by students for language learning, and observations centered on student computer use, learning of written language and play, and computer…

Discusses software metrics and describes a study of graduate students in Hong Kong that evaluated the relevance of using software metrics as a means of assessing students' performance in programing. The use of four basic metrics to measure programing skill, complexity, programing style, and programing efficiency using Pascal is examined. (13…

This paper reviews progress of computer-assisted learning technology to date with particular focus on National Research Council of Canada Computer Assisted Learning Project, and projects some computer-assisted learning developments to be expected during the rest of the 1980s. (MBR)