Discusses faster modems and the limits of telephone lines; applying classroom teaching principles to the Web courseware; computer-based education (CBE) versus instructor-led distance education; necessary components of a Web-based CBE instructional solution (management, courseware, groupware); anatomy and components of the PLATO courseware system;…

Investigates the benefits of using culturally responsive reading material and a computer-based learning environment in literacy instruction. Describes a study of low socioeconomic status first through fourth grade African American children that tested two computer programs that use prior knowledge as scaffolds for early literacy instruction.…

Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) has been shown to be an efficient learning-teaching procedure. Although there is an extensive educational software tradition using CAL approaches, few of them have demonstrated a better student performance than standard drill and practice methods. The purpose of this study was (a) to evaluate the effectiveness of…

A project management design for modularizing higher education at open universities was developed and tested. Literature in the fields of project management and development of modular curriculum materials was reviewed and used as a basis for developing a project-based approach to the process of developing modules for self-instruction. According to…

This essay reviews accounts of nontraditional schools in various parts of the United States, some of which are public-private ventures. All use computers in conjunction with practices such as the whole language approach, the language experience method, ability grouping, and individualized instruction. Review of the accounts leads to the conclusion…

Los Angeles Pierce College has been using Computer-Based Spelling Instruction (CBSI) software in spelling enrichment classes since 1992. Students who have used the program average 96% on final exams, and student retention proves excellent. The CBSI module performs the following functions: (1) administers a 1,200 word pretest; (2) divides missed…

Color monitors are in wide use in computer systems. Thus, it is important to understand how to apply color effectively in computer assisted instruction (CAI) and computer based training (CBT). Color can enhance learning, but it does not automatically do so. Indiscriminate application of color can mislead a student and thereby even interfere with…

A discussion of computer software and courseware for second-language instruction outlines considerations for selecting software of various kinds and presents a list of selected computer programs. Suggestions are made for choosing text-specific software, non-text-specific software intended for language instruction, word processors intended for…

Two parallel studies were conducted to determine whether students' achievement in reading and/or mathematics would be affected by the use of Education Systems Corporation (ESC) Software for Chapter 1 students. Students in the experimental groups used the software twice a week during a period of one school year, with 561 Chapter 1 students in…

A computer assisted learning (CAL) program in the area of intravenous drug administration developed by the Nightingale Project is currently being used in a number of nursing schools and hospitals throughout the United Kingdom. The success of this program and the emergence of interactive video as a significant training medium persuaded the…

While disputing the exaggerated claims for computerized teaching symbolized by Time Magazine's choice of a computer for its 1982 "man of the year," this paper argues that since the technology is omnipresent, and that since it can facilitate learning under certain conditions, teachers should be as informed about it as possible. A discussion of…

Third in a series of six monographs on the use of new technologies in the instruction of learning disabled students, the paper explores program design strategies for computer-based instructional materials. Section 1 summarizes ideas related to models of perception and cognition, theories of instruction, and key characteristics of intelligent…

Fifth in a series of six monographs on the use of new technologies in the instruction of learning disabled students, the paper describes how schools can plan for the acquisition of computer hardware and software, and how they can provide district-level staff training in its use. Discussion focuses on the development of a technology implementation…

The purpose of this focused newsletter is to give teachers who know little or nothing of computers some background on which to base further investigation and decisions. It begins by explaining what a computer is and defining such terms as software, hardware, memory, input/output devices, and disk drive. The newsletter then outlines four major uses…

A study analyzed the revision practices of 25 children in a third grade classroom, half of whom received LOGO instruction, to determine if the revision practices inherent in LOGO programing sponsor revision practices in the composing of autonomous texts of young children. It was hypothesized that the revision strategies in LOGO, both engendered…