Explains a general theory of mathematical knowledge and its acquisition, and discusses the design of instructional computer use, including software, based on that cognitive theory. A programing language called ISETL is described, and preliminary investigations are presented on students' learning about sequences, convergence, and limits. (five…

Addresses cognitive style and visual literacy in use of instructional computing, focusing on learner interaction with screen displays and ways cognitive style and visual preferences facilitate or inhibit learning, and asks whether having computers in classrooms is only a case of utilizing another form of television. Research areas are suggested.…

Proposes 13 trends that educational software development should follow. Four main areas are considered: (1) the computing environment, including hardware and networking; (2) software design, including learner control and hypermedia; (3) the user, or learner, including group activities; and (4) the software development process, including…

Discusses the use of computer simulations in an instructional context and emphasizes the need for learner support. The SIMULATE project (Simulation Authoring Tools Environment) is described, the concept of intelligent simulation learning environments (ISLEs) is explained, and a conceptual framework for articles included in this issue is presented.…

Describes studies conducted at a French university to evaluate microcomputer software used in computer assisted instruction. Results of questionnaires completed by a sample of 150 students in beginning computing courses are analyzed to determine how such courseware can be improved, and evaluation versus validation is discussed. (LRW)

Describes an undergraduate course at the Open University in Great Britain that teaches software engineering. Highlights include the use of formal methods to interpret the programing language's syntax and semantics; the role of course software; home use of microcomputers for the course; and supporting course materials. (LRW)

Discussion of issues related to computer-assisted learning (CAL) and computer-based training (CBT) describes approaches to electronic learning; principles underlying courseware development to support these approaches; and a plan for creation of a CAL/CBT development center, including its functional role, campus services, staffing, and equipment…

Discussion of the design considerations of educational software developers highlights considerations concerning educational needs. Topics discussed include interaction among learners, teachers, and software; learning processes; teachers' roles; effects of knowledge representation on learning and understanding; collaborative learning; curriculum…

Describes a course in educational informatics for preservice teachers and students in educational software development that emphasizes the use of LOGO, and summarizes course modules that cover tools and methods for teaching informatics, informatics curriculum design, introducing the basic notions of informatics, integrating informatics into the…

In the future, the requirements of industry will generate a wide range of hardware devices and software programs that will significantly alter and improve the quality of education. The driving forces behind the development of new technological devices include economics; emotional factors, e.g., the desire to develop aids for the handicapped;…

Discusses the effectiveness of classroom trials as a method of providing feedback in the development process for educational software. The impact of formative evaluation on the development of computer-assisted learning (CAL) by a team is discussed, criteria for software selection are described, and steps toward successful implementation are…

Describes the process for developing tutorials for computer-aided learning (CAL) using a programing language rather than an authoring system. The workstation used is described, the use of graphics is discussed, the role of a local area network (LAN) is explained, and future plans are discussed. (five references) (LRW)

Discussion of the use of computers in education focuses on ways to teach with limited computer resources. Learning processes with computers are described, the teacher-student relationship is examined, and examples of instruction using only one computer are given, including simulation programs in physics and the use of spreadsheets in mathematics.…

Discusses computer science developments in French primary schools and describes strategies for using computers in the classroom most efficiently. Highlights include the use of computer networks; software; artificial intelligence and expert systems; computer-assisted learning (CAL) and intelligent CAL; computer peripherals; simulation; and teaching…

Discussion of the view of education as a process of development, rather than as knowledge acquisition, focuses on the use of computers and other new information technologies (NITs) in primary schools. This is a paper from a 1987 working conference sponsored by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP). (16 references)…