The main purpose of this study was to develop an instrument that assesses university students' perceived readiness for computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Assessment in CSCL research had predominantly focused on measuring "after-collaboration" outcomes and "during-collaboration" behaviors while…

To strengthen the motivation of learners, the professional training sector is focusing more and more on game-based learning. In this context, the authors have become interested in the design of Learning Role-Play Game (LRPG) scenarios. The aim of this article is to improve the designers' confidence in the validity of the game-based learning…

Learner-controlled instruction is often found to be less effective for learning than fixed or adaptive system-controlled instruction. One possible reason for that finding is that students--especially novices--might not able to accurately assess their own performance and select tasks that fit their learning needs. Therefore, this explorative study…

The web-based e-learning system (WELS) has emerged as a new means of skill training and knowledge acquisition, encouraging both academia and industry to invest resources in the adoption of this system. Traditionally, most pre- and post-adoption tasks related to evaluation are carried out from the viewpoints of technology. Since users have been…

A method is proposed for optimizing cutting scores for a selection-placement-mastery problem simultaneously. A simultaneous approach has two advantages over separate optimization. First, test scores used in previous decisions can be used as "prior data" in later decisions, increasing the efficiency of the decisions. Then, more realistic…

Discusses the use of videodiscs in schools and suggests criteria for the selection of videodiscs and videodisc players. Topics include different videodisc formats, including CLV (constant linear velocity) and CAV (constant angular velocity); mapping; repurposing; content and age suitability; documentation; vendors; and Level I and Level II…

Course management systems (CMSs) are software systems designed to manage course content and course activities. These tools integrate technological and pedagogical features into a web-based system that allows instructors, even those who are unfamiliar with web-based technologies, to design, deliver, and manage an online course. However, CMSs have…

In 1972 there were at least six different course authoring languages in use in Canada with little exchange of course materials between Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) centers. In order to improve facilities for producing "transportable" computer based course materials, a working panel undertook the definition of functional requirements of a user…

Discussion of software evaluation for computer assisted instruction focuses on the Computer Courseware Evaluation Model (CCEM), developed at the University of South Florida. Criteria for reliability and validity are discussed, and areas of concern in software are addressed, including cost and presentation characteristics, instructional…

Describes a flexible planning process for developing computer based instruction (CBI) in which the CBI design is implemented on paper between the lesson design and the program production. A four-stage model is explained, including (1) an initial flowchart, (2) storyboards, (3) a detailed flowchart, and (4) an evaluation. (16 references)…

Describes telecollaborative activities as educational endeavors that involve people in different locations using Internet tools and resources to work together. Topics include curriculum-based telecollaboration that has been designed by teachers; educational benefits; Web sites with telecollaborative activities; and criteria for choosing…

Addresses the potential of conversational simulations for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and reasons why this potential is largely untapped. Topics discussed include artificial intelligence; microworlds; parsing; realism versus reality in computer software; intelligent tutoring systems; and criteria to clarify what kinds of CALL…

Describes a custom authoring system that was developed for use by multinational corporations who use computer-based training (CBT) that must be adaptable to diverse individual markets. Criteria for multinational CBT programs are discussed, the use of BASIC programing language is explained, and the author interface is described. (nine references)…

Discusses methods that may be applied to the evaluation of hypermedia, based on six models described by Lawton. Techniques described include observation, self-report measures, interviews, automated measures, psychometric tests, checklists and criterion-based techniques, process models, Experimentally Measuring Usability (EMU), and a naturalistic…

The criteria used by the University of Delaware in selecting the PLATO computer-based educational system are discussed in this document. Consideration was given to support for instructional strategies, requirements of the student learning station, features for instructors and authors of instructional materials, general operational characteristics,…