This volume gives readers insights on the use of technology in professional development programmes and content knowledge that can enrich teacher education. Every chapter of the book builds, through research, an analysis and discussion of CALL [Computer Assisted Language Learning] matters and professional development. The purpose of the EuroCALL…

Microcomputer software can provide excellent drill and practice, simulations, and problem-solving. Yet, software developers often have designed elaborate graphics and unique characters in lieu of sound instructional programming. Many instructional programs for learning-disabled students do not provide appropriate reading levels, the opportunity to…

Historically, educational institutions have largely relied on in-house development of administrative software. However, the costs of skilled programmers and rapidly advancing technology are making in-house development too expensive. These and other factors are addressed and changes needed for future educational administrative computing support are…

Outlines how the National Education Association's Educational Computer Service program for evaluation of educational software is run, and responds to critics of the program. (MD)

Describes eight characteristics of good educational software. They are: (1) educational soundness; (2) ease of use; (3) "bullet" proofing (preventing a program from coming to a premature halt); (4) clear instructions; (5) appropriate language; (6) appropriate frame size; (7) motivation; and (8) evaluation. (JN)

Apple's SuperPILOT is an authoring language that allows teachers to easily and quickly create effective programs for classroom use. SuperPILOT features (such as turtle graphics routines) and commands are described. Several sample program listings (including one for a tutorial on the periodic table) are presented. (JN)

Examines issues related to educational computing. Indicates that although teachers and software makers say that home computers will transform schools, problems of equity and quality of courseware remain unresolved. Points out that 80 percent of educational programs have gone on the market with little or no research or testing. (JN)

This report, the sixth in a series of six, describes the evaluative activities carried out during Phase II of the California Educational Technology Assessment Program, and evaluates the partnership program between the California Department of Education (CDE) and seven software publishers. It is noted that this program was formed in 1986 in order…

Teachers often have difficulty finding the time to develop or find quality software for classroom use. One solution to this problem is to have advanced microcomputer students produce software. Suggestions for teachers to use in implementing microcomputers into the classroom are offered. (DF)

Courseware (computer based curriculum materials) development should follow the lessons learned by software engineers. The most important of 28 principles of software development presented here include a stress on human readability, the importance of early planning and analysis, the need for independent evaluation, and the need to be flexible.…

Graphing is a common and powerful symbol system for representing concrete data. Yet research has shown that students often have graphical misconceptions about how graphs are related to the concrete event. Currently, the Technical Education Research Center (TERC) is developing microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) science units that use probes to…

Discusses topics and issues related to (1) international impact of microcomputers; (2) minimum guidelines for software development; (3) achieving minimum standards; and (4) accomplishments in the areas of introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. Challenges for the future are noted. (JN)

Discusses trends in science software for home and educational use. Examples of software on various science topics are provided, including packages which revolve around such television shows as "Nova" and "Voyage of the Mimi" and those produced by the Human Engineering Software. (JN)

Discusses the demise of programed learning movement nearly 20 years ago, arguing that the lessons learned from the collapse of the movement have important implications for computer assisted instruction (CAI) today. Issues related to CAI, including the development of good software are considered. (JN)

The Center for Research and Development in the Application of Technology to Education project identifies effective uses of new technologies for the learning disabled. Areas investigated include effective instructional design principles, program design strategies, adjusting technology for individual learners, software development, and use of…