This fourth and final article in a series about hypertext links and associated design guidelines focuses on learning support and program help links that support users' learning activities and help users understand the operational elements of the program itself. Examples are given from a HyperCard program called Desert Shield. (LRW)

This paper identifies three ways that computers are used in educational contexts. The first and most widespread use is as a tutor, i.e., as a delivery system for programmed instruction and drill-and-practice activities. The second use is as a programming environment to teach programming languages such as BASIC, LOGO, or PASCAL. The third use is as…

Describes TEPACIS, a computer-aided instruction package to train users of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization)-developed CDS/ISIS software, which is used to support the development of computerized textual databases. Discussion covers the structure of TEPACIS; development plans; hardware requirements; and…

Describes MediaText, a multimedia document processor developed at the University of Michigan that allows the incorporation of video, music, sound, animations, still images, and text into one document. Interactive documents are discussed, and the need for users to be able to write documents as well as read them is emphasized. (four references) (LRW)

Provides an overview of the articles in this issue that address the role of teachers and instructional technology; preservice teacher training in telecommunications; voice mail; courses using computer conferencing; and various aspects of software and courseware development and usage, including the portability of courseware to China. (LRW)

Identifies key factors affecting conceptual gains from using a CAL (computer-assisted learning) package and their application to a college practical laboratory class. Considers students' biographical characteristics, design features of the CAL package, and the way that the CAL was integrated into the curriculum. (Author/LRW)

Illustrates the ideological foundations of computer-assisted composition (CAC) software by comparing two computer-writing aids: "Grammatik II" and "Interchange." Notes that many of the best CAC programs have come out of the composition classroom. Argues that English departments must support and reward those who work in CAC design. (RS)

This paper discusses methodological issues and strategies that underlie the development of expert software systems that provide research assistance to school practitioners of action research. The following key issues related to the development of expert systems software are examined: developing a knowledge base that represents research expertise;…

Provides practical information on multimedia and mass storage devices, productivity tools and authoring systems, and software/hardware compatibility for language training. Also provided is an extensive list of recommendations for creating effective software and another for selecting, developing, and adapting software. (GLR)

Describes HyperTales, a computer-based writing application for emergent writers. Discusses principles of developmental literacy approaches which offer guidance for the design of computer-based emergent writing applications. (MM)

Reviews existing examples of computer-assisted vocabulary learning and suggests some principles for the future design of such programs. The issues considered are the extent to which the program is specifically oriented to vocabulary learning, what gives the interaction its instructional value, and what makes an interaction specifically…

This paper describes the development and use of a computer aided instruction (CAI) software program for the teaching of Spanish for special purposes at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The program is designed to: (1) motivate students to use the computer by making it a non-threatening medium through individualization of the learning…

Describes a multimedia course in engineering developed to serve course materials to students in a more realistic form so that they will better understand the relevance of the material. Defines multimedia, discusses the advantages of multimedia presentation of course material, and provides details of the tools used in this project. (DDR)

Describes the development of strategies and software to help people work collaboratively while at a distance from one another. The importance of collaborative activities, the shared spaces concept behind groupware, examples of software that support synchronous and asynchronous group activities, and design issues for educational groupware are…

Focuses on criteria for design and evaluation of the user interface of foreign language multimedia software. A hybrid model is proposed that combines cognitive and software engineering approaches. Based on this proposed contextualized model of interface design, domain-specific evaluation criteria are developed to describe how well the user…