Distance educators, particularly those in developing countries, are facing the implementation of massive education programs with little research to guide them. Some developing countries have used established programs from other countries as models to provide low-cost instruction for basic literacy and job training; however, in many cases, they are…

This two-part report describes a pilot study initiated by the Ontario Ministry of Education in 1981 to define the methodology for a subsequent research project on the current use of different types of instructional resources in Ontario public schools. The first section reports on case studies based on personal interviews with both staff and…

Reviews developments in the use of computer systems in libraries in Great Britain, North America, and other countries from 1966 to date. Highlights include MARC developments, cooperative cataloging services, use of microcomputers and minicomputers, turnkey systems, and online public access catalogs; 102 references are provided. (Author/LRW)

Describes a special application of the microcomputer for small and large group instruction called Computer-Guided-Teaching (CGT). Effective teaching strategies incorporated in CGT lessons are discussed, and a description of a formal geometry course illustrates their use in CGT lessons. (MBR)

Discussion of effect sizes in computer-assisted learning research focuses on a study conducted in Singapore high school geography classes that used micro-PROLOG to determine the efficacy of computer-assisted learning. Topics include impact on achievement, student attitudes, and classroom environment. (53 references) (LRW)

The summative evaluation of a courseware program designed to assist in writing the lower-case alphabet is described to demonstrate the effectiveness of a field test for answering specific evaluation questions, collecting maximum evidence on which to base conclusions of instructional effectiveness, and being flexible enough for use in normal…

Describes a study that was conducted at the School of Library and Information Science, University of Western Ontario, to examine search behavior of users in a hypertext information retrieval system. The effects of gender, search task, and search experience on two search options--analytical or browsing--are discussed. (Contains 15 references.) (LRW)

This study used three treatment conditions to examine feasibility of augmenting computer-presented learning activities for preschool children with instructional videotapes: computer activities alone, a videotape designed to improve visual discrimination with computer activities, and videotape with activities and discussion. Results indicate…

Discussion of the role of instructional technology in education focuses on a futures study that was conducted to investigate possible technology futures for Australian secondary education. The Delphi panel used is described, and it is reported that microcomputers, computer-assisted instruction, and databases were thought to have the most…

The Mathematics Education Research Group of Australia (MERGA) was officially constituted in 1980. In 1984, MERGA produced the first review of the mathematics education research carried out in that region. This book is the third in that series of research reviews. An overview provides the context in which the Australian research was conducted and…

Arguing that curriculum developers need to seek a better understanding of existing classroom orders before advising reform through new technology, this paper presents a review of research on the effects of microcomputers on the stabilities of classroom practice and describes a pilot study currently underway at Queens University in Ontario to…

Examines the extent to which microcomputer availability has affected the use of traditional information sources. Surveys of microcomputer use are summarized, results of surveys conducted at the Liverpool Public Library (New York) and University College Dublin are reported, and future roles of libraries or information services are suggested. (44…

This overview of the current state of educational technology in Japan includes discussions of professional associations; academic and popular journals; diffusion of media and the budget in elementary and secondary schools; recent trends in government policies; educational technology research; a literature review; and suggestions of future trends.…

Government initiatives for incorporating microcomputers in the schools in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as well as the availability of and attitudes toward computer assisted learning (CAL) in secondary school geography, economics, and history are discussed. In 1980, the government launched the Microelectronics Education Programme to support…

The goals of instructional technology in Japan are enumerated, and significant aspects of the field are presented as follows: (1) an overview of the environment for instructional technology is given in terms of academic societies and professional associations, academic and popular journals and magazines, diffusion of media and budget, and recent…