Discussion of problems encountered in educational software development in Japan is the second of a two-part series on evaluation of Japanese microcomputer-based software. Problems associated with content, learner attitude, and graphics presentation are described, and future challenges in simulation and integrating courseware with other teaching…

Discusses some of the attributes of effective tutorial software programs. Describes four science programs that focus on the physical and earth sciences, and highlights some of their features that are proposed as features of high-quality educational software. (TW)

Analyzes, as a function of grade level, the representation of gender, competition, and violence in 17 top-selling software programs designed for mathematics education. Results indicate that mean percentages of violence, competition against the program and competition against a peer increase across grade level; mean percentages of female characters…

Describes a two-year Canadian project devoted to the development and formative evaluation of a graduated series of four graphics-based programing environments for young children, called pre-Logo Microworlds. Field tests of software and instructional materials are described, and classroom observations and teacher and student interviews are…

Offers several LOGO programs to study the behavior of simple nonlinear systems. Suggests that LOGO is an excellent tool for studying chaotic systems. Offers suggestions for different forms of LOGO. Builds upon programs presented in a previous article. (MVL)

Technology can be useful in physics classrooms, though teachers must be careful not to let technology remove students from first-hand experiences with nature through observation and experimentation. The paper examines how to enhance physics instruction using computers as graphing tools, for data collection, and as real-world simulators. (SM)

This case study examines the learning tasks associated with undergraduates' use of a computer graphics presentation package at The Queen's University (Belfast, Ireland). Results of a summative evaluation are discussed, including the role of the lecturer, learning resources, and group participation; and prior knowledge is considered. (LRW)

Developed as an introduction to computer programming using an Apple microcomputer, this document presents teachers and students with: (1) essential vocabulary used in the BASIC language; (2) syntax; and (3) programming techniques. Simple hands-on activities designed to guide the learner through beginning BASIC programming skills and fundamental…

A checklist for evaluating courseware is presented to help American Council of Evaluation (ACE) review teams determine whether a software package is suitable for use with adult learners. Courseware, which is software used in instructional programming, may include various mechanical devices (e.g., discs, tapes, computer programs), as well as…

The 53 papers in these proceedings focus on the use of computer-based learning. Individual papers are organized by special interest group and presented under 12 headings: (1) Computer-Based Training (11 entries); (2) Elementary, Secondary, Junior College (1 entry); (3) Educators of the Handicapped (3 entries); (4) Health Education (6 entries); (5)…

Provides an introduction to the mathematics and art of the complex plane. Includes two computer programs written in GW BASIC to facilitate a reader's initial investigation. Identifies additional software resources. Stresses the appeal to future scientists, mathematicians, and artists. (CW)

Illustrates the exploration of random and chance events with a microcomputer. Demonstrates this principle using turtle graphics, coin flips, and die rolls in a student exercise involving distance and direction on a number line. Includes the necessary LOGO programming statements to use this method. (CW)

Describes the use of a microcomputer program which was written to analyze batch reactor data by the integral method. Discusses how the program is structured and used by students in engineering kinetics. An example problem is included along with the computer's solution. (TW)

Discusses the impact of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) on traditional engineering teaching philosophy and methodology. Describes a new instructional approach based on CAE. Includes selected examples of problem situations which can be simulated through the use of CAE. (TW)

Users of content-based software programs, including hypertexts and instructional multimedia, rely on the navigation functions provided by the designers of those program. Typical navigation schemes use abstract symbols (arrows) to label basic navigational functions like moving forward or backward through screen displays. In a previous study, the…