"Instructional design" technology focuses on the learning process and student achievement rather than on the teaching process and student control. Adoption of this technology permits the effective use of computer-managed instruction as a learning tool. Teachers must learn to use both the technology and the tool to improve instruction. (PGD)

Provides an introductory overview of articles included in this journal issue, which is devoted to the topic of microcomputers and children. (MP)

Literature on the use of computers in education is vast, but there is a need for more reports from practitioners in the foreign language classroom. Leaders in the foreign language profession must provide in-service opportunities, and foreign language teachers themselves must seek active involvement with computers. Paradoxically, the United States,…

To overcome the barriers that deny part-time adult learners the opportunity for continuing their educations, the University of Mid-America proposes the creation of a nationwide American Open University (AOU). The AOU will be an independent, accredited institution with its own board, faculty, and administration. It will have regional centers across…

Examines the place and use of language labs, audiovisual equipment, and computers in foreign language classrooms of the future. (EKN)

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI), such as PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operation), TICCIT (Time-Shared Interactive Computer Controlled Information Television), Computer Managed Instruction (CMI), and representative military applications of computers are described and discussed. (KC)

Considers issues involved in deciding whether to use a turnkey approach to installing an integrated learning system (ILS). School districts' instructional technology plans are discussed; factors related to the size and complexity of the system are examined; and district-vendor communication is discussed, including writing detailed specifications.…

Summarizes the characteristics and special features in a variety of mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer systems; discusses the applicability of each in school instruction; provides information about hardware, instructional capabilities, courses, and curricula available from computer manufacturers/publishers; and discusses future uses and…

Contending that present measures of student gains resulting from changed teaching methods are ineffective, the author proposes on "automated examining machine" that would enable students to monitor their own progress. This system would allow teachers to become friendly consultants instead of bosses or judges. (Author/WB)

This paper offers an historical perspective as to why teachers may be reluctant to accept new technologies, and what might persuade them to use computers in their classrooms. The analysis also suggests some methods for minimizing the inhibiting factors and maximizing the acceptance of computers in elementary and secondary school settings.…

Computers frequently are not utilized adequately or optimally in classrooms. However, selected principles of learning are applicable to computer and software usage. They include: (1) meaningful and achievable exercises; (2) sequential learning; and (3) purposeful content. Learner interest, motivation, and balance among objectives are significant…

This document is a compilation of eight papers which present the advantages of, and the need for, the systems approach in all areas of education. The first paper, an explication of the SIGGS theory model, explains set theory, information theory, and graph theory, and demonstrates their integration. Project PRIME, concerned with the mainstreaming…

Presents highlights from the "Wingspread Conference on Microcomputers in Education," held to evaluate the role of microcomputers in instruction and to develop guidelines for the introduction and use of this new technology in the elementary and middle grades. (Author/MLF)

The introduction to the special section on microcomputers in special education reviews the trend toward increasing computer use, raises such issues as the need for special educators to provide leadership in the use of computers for individualized instruction, and summarizes remaining articles in the section. (DB)

Distance education is characterized, and its trends are discussed. Computer assisted tutoring, audiocassettes, videodiscs/videocassettes, and microcomputers are analyzed in terms of their interactive characteristics and their role in bettering independent study. Ten references are listed. (Author/MBR)