Describes a study of fifth and sixth graders that investigated the effects of cooperative training and ability grouping on microcomputer learning. Results on four measures of achievement did not support the use of cooperative learning or ability grouping to enhance achievement in computer-assisted instruction. (Author/LRW)

Describes an integrated authoring environment, AIDA ("Ambiente Integrado de Desenvolvimento de Aplicacoes educacionais"), that was developed at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) for educational software. Highlights include the design module, a prototyping tool that allows for multimedia, simulations, and modularity; execution module;…

Describes experiences at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) with the use of simulation software in life sciences laboratories and discusses the results of evaluation procedures that included confidence logs, questionnaires, interviews, and grades. A table of statistical results relevant to confidence log comparisons and the postcourse…

Describes Mathwise, a courseware delivery environment developed by the United Kingdom Mathematics Courseware Consortium, whose Courseware Manager provides a protocol for integrating courseware materials from a variety of authors using a variety of software authoring tools. Modules, leaflets and cross-referencing, comparisons with other hypertext…

Describes a study of 61 undergraduates that investigated the effects of hypermedia content-structure focusing on learner's structural knowledge acquisition, retention, and disorientation. Use of a Completely Randomized Multivariate Analysis of Variance design for hypothesis testing is explained and implications for hypermedia design are discussed.…

Illustrates how Hubbard's methodological framework (1992) can be adapted to develop computer-assisted language learning (CALL) materials for English-as-a-Second-Language students in Australia. Findings reveal that this courseware development module provides an excellent framework for the creation of language learning software and the integration…

This article describes a multimedia-based tutorial designed to teach basic concepts of telecommunications to university students and discusses an experiment that analyzed test scores of two sets of students, one using the tutorial and one learning in a traditional setting. No significant learning differences were found. (Author/AEF)

Reviews the literature on computer use in second language and foreign language learning from 1990 to 2000 inclusive under the categories of potentials of computer technology use in specific areas; software for language skills; software design considerations; computerized language testing; and research findings from studies using quantitative…

Discussion of the use of computer simulation for laboratory experiments in undergraduate engineering education focuses on work at the University of New South Wales in the instructional design and software development of a package simulating a heat exchange device. The importance of integrating theory, design, and experimentation is also discussed.…

This survey of authoring languages that are used in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) highlights recent developments in Macintosh authoring languages and discusses their use in courseware development. CAI effectiveness is defined, advantages and disadvantages of CAI are described, and future research needs are suggested. (27 references) (LRW)

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 a computer applications course developed for undergraduate biology students (primarily sophomores) to teach word processing, database and spreadsheet programs, graphing programs, telecommunications, and file transfer procedures. AppleWorks software is discussed, course content is explained, and the microcomputer laboratory is described.…

Describes trends in educational software design in the United States for elementary and secondary education. Highlights include user-friendly software; learner control; interfacing the computer with other media, including television, telecommunications networks, and optical disk technology; microworlds; graphics; word processing; database…

Describes UN MENU FRANCAIS, a teacher developed-computer program for students of French, and points out the advantages of using computers in the second language classroom, despite the poor pedagogical quality of most second language software currently available. An electronic mail correspondence between students in France and Denmark is described.…

Reflects on the thought and process involved in the development of a series of computer simulations used to help teach a two-semester U.S. history course. Lists common elements in the simulations, describes the simulations, and responds to criticisms. Discusses student reaction to the use of computer simulations in a history course. (LS)