Defines courseware engineering (CE) and discusses how it differs from software engineering. Topics addressed include the goals of courseware engineering; a classification of tasks; costs; aspects of knowledge representation; the structure of knowledge in CE; processes in knowledge acquisition; and knowledge base validation. (Contains 48…

Discusses recent advances in cognitive theory and the design of computer-based instruction and suggests implications for the design of authoring tools and tutoring system shells. Highlights include the design of courseware; advanced organizers; knowledge representation; design evaluation; models of knowledge; models of errors; and models of…

Discusses the effects of individual differences and cognitive styles on student learning in hypermedia programs and presents a cognitive model to illustrate how students with different cognitive styles react to non-linear learning in hypermedia by analyzing the findings of previous studies. Suggests implications for the design of hypermedia…

Reconsiders and affirms the general model of factors that influence the portability potential of educational software by summarizing the articles in this special issue. Factors that received the most attention include software design and development; overall instructional approach; teacher training; and cultural assumptions. Areas for further…

Describes the Space Shuttle Commander software package, which utilizes the dynaturtle microworld to teach elementary and middle school students about Newton's laws of motion. Design considerations for computer-based microworlds that represent a compromise between the philosophies of constructivism and direct instruction are presented. (91…

Provides an overview of the articles in this special issue, which deals with the portability, or transferability, of educational computer software. Motivations for portable software relating to cost, personnel, and time are discussed, and factors affecting portability are described, including technical factors, educational factors, social/cultural…

Discusses research evidence for not including microcomputers in preschool environments; develops a theoretical base favoring computer use in early childhood that includes views of Papert, Piaget, Erikson, and competence development; and offers directions for software development through a review and description of successful microworld programs.…

Describes the Advanced Instructional Design Advisor, an Air Force project which involves the development and testing of automated instructional design guidance for use by Air Force technical training specialists in the development of computer-based training software. System architecture is explained, and a cognitive continuum approach to the…

This paper argues that Merrill's instructional transaction theory provides a framework that can decrease learners' problems in using computer simulations by specifying transaction shells rather than frames in designing interactive courseware. The three types of data used in a transaction, i.e., an instructional algorithm, are identified as a…

This paper reviews the literature on screen design used for instructional purposes. The following topics are reviewed: definition of screen design; foundations of screen design; elements of screen design; functions of screen design; screen design research and problems; and criteria for evaluation. Conclusions drawn from this review are: screen…

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…

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…

Examines how the use of server-based courseware development solutions affects the instructional design process when creating online distance education. Highlights include pedagogical, visual interface (e.g., visual metaphor and navigation layout), interaction, and instructional design implications of online courseware. (Contains 54 references.)…

Examines implications from cognitive psychology which are important for the design of microcomputer-based instructional simulations. Topics addressed include cognitive structure, including schemata and mental models; cognitive and metacognitive strategies; automaticity of cognitive processes; and affect, or the motivational appeal. (Contains 86…

Describes the Hypertutor Model, a message design framework for interactive instructional systems that emphasizes learner control, presentation, practice, feedback, and learning resources. Problems with software designed for computer assisted instruction are examined; hypertutor systems are discussed; and MegaMentor, a hypertutor system at the…