Many current software systems for authoring interactive microcomputer/video instructional materials have noticeable drawbacks. Advantages of interactive software systems are examined and a research project to develop interactive video authoring tools without the drawbacks is described. (JN)

Describes a system recently implemented in a Utah school system which uses computer technologies to promote and monitor mastery learning. Discusses the development of the system, including the search for appropriate hardware and software, and the training of teachers to use the system. (TW)

Discusses computer editing and describes the capacities and features of an integrated software package, Writer's Workbench. Suggests ways in which this program can be used to improve writing skills. Reviews the effects of this program on technical users, college students, and high school students. (ML)

Discusses the need for evaluative reviews of computer software designed for school administrators. Outlines the rating process used by the Administrative Software Clearinghouse at Memphis State University. Includes descriptions of five administrative software packages which deal with class scheduling, attendance, grade reporting, classroom…

Presents one educator's reaction to the National Task Force on Educational Technology's report. Provides responses to certain passages from the report's eight sections. Emphasizes that educators should look for ways to implement existing information-age technology in addition to more traditional forms of education technologies. (TW)

Presents an overview of an interactive videodisc courseware project that was designed to train teachers and to develop videodisc courseware modules in physics. Chronicles the progress made, describes the course content, and discusses the ramifications of the participants' attempt to put the training into practice. (ML)

Warns that educational software suffers in quality because programmers have generally ignored the role of the curriculum. Recommends steps for developing computer assisted instructional software and describes the roles of content experts, designers, and programmers in the process. (TW)

Describes a curriculum program designed to encourage sixth-grade students to think about issues from a variety of perspectives and make informed decisions. Discusses the incorporation of computer software from the "Decisions, Decisions" series into the instructional process. Outlines the components of the curriculum, provides an evaluation of the…

Discusses the current state of computer managed instruction (CMI) and the advantages it affords both teachers and students. Describes the learning objective as the focus of CMI. Notes the interaction of computer assisted instruction and CMI. Lists a directory of 16 CMI systems. (MVL)

Describes how a community college has adapted an instructional computer network originally developed to teach hearing impaired individuals to write. It is now used as an integral part of three different writing courses. Discusses how the system works, providing examples of student work, and a description of the software used. (TW)

Discusses the development of automated management systems for school library media centers. Suggests that schools of library and information science establish microcomputer laboratories containing state-of-the-art library management software and hardware that could be used for field work, inservices, and conferences. (TW)

Discusses the use of laserdiscs and interactive video technology in an earth science classroom. Delineates the basic equipment needed for a laserdisc workstation, along with a software authoring system. Describes the development and use of a software program called Mission Earth, which contains four lessons on astronomoy. (TW)

Presents the second draft of a set of recommendations for a national agenda for the implementation of videodisc technology in education. Includes statements about goals and objectives, needs assessments, evaluation and research, the encouragement of cooperation between education and industry, courseware integration, and future planning. (TW)

Describes a project in a New Jersey elementary school in which computers are being actively used in various facets of the curriculum. Provides recommendations on how to set up similar programs. Explains some of the uses of the word processing, spreadsheet, and database capabilities in instruction. (TW)

Reports findings of the National Task Force on Educational Technology. Includes sections on transforming education, observations on the status of technology education, the potential of technology in education, educational applications of technology, and effects on education. Offers broad recommendations for future uses of technology in education.…