Touch screen tablets such as iPads are becoming increasingly popular as educational tools to support children's first language learning in pre-schools. Apps can also be used to support early learning of a second language in English-speaking countries. However, little work has been done to evaluate these apps. The present research developed…

Searching prestigious Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL) journals for references to key publications and authors in the field of evaluation yields a short list. The "American Journal of Evaluation"--the flagship journal of the American Evaluation Association--is only cited once in both the "CALICO Journal and Language…

The goal of this meta-analysis is to evaluate how instructional technology has impacted advanced second language (AL2) development. Although numerous metaanalyses have been conducted within the CALL literature over the past two decades, they primarily focus upon learning outcomes and related effect sizes. None focus on advanced learning per se.…

Listening plays a crucial part in the learning of overseas students in the United Kingdom. Students can never follow a lecture or discussion in English without listening. Traditional classroom teaching in listening limits students' time and space. However, the Web-based listening course accommodates listeners a great deal, enabling them to access…

This paper discusses the pedagogical and technological aspects of assessing wiki-based collaborative learning activities. The first part of the paper presents a general framework of collaborative learning assessment. The framework is based on four aspects of assessment, characterized by four questions: who, what, how and by whom. The second part…

Offers suggestions for English teachers to use in selecting the best microcomputer for their needs. (FL)

Proposes guidelines to enable the consistent and thorough review of instructional interactive video packages. Presented in outline form, the evaluation criteria include package information, documentation and support materials, role of the computer in instruction, role of video and audio in instruction, and the computer videodisc mix. (CLB)

This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises six stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises four stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

A recent survey of 60 commercial computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs found that most of the programmed lessons used few or no graphics to communicate the main points. An Instructional Graphics Checklist was developed to reflect the research findings about the use of pictures in instruction and to serve as an informal evaluation instrument…

This document presents guidelines for evaluating computerized instructional materials. Included are reference sources, suggestions for evaluation criteria, guidelines for both software and documentation evaluation, and forms that can be used in the evaluation process. Five separately labeled reference lists contain citations for approximately 100…

This checklist provides guidelines for designing computer screen displays and evaluating those designed by others. The checklist covers three important aspects of designing a computer screen display: how the screen looks, how the screen interacts with users, and evaluating the screen. (MBR)

Discusses the steps for selecting a suitable authoring system for computer-based training. The factors of power, ease of use, productivity and maintenance, embedded within evaluative scenarios, are used as evaluation guidelines. (SED)

Describes integrated teaching systems (ITS), formerly called integrated learning systems, and discusses guidelines to be considered when purchasing an ITS. Topics discussed include instructional theories, appropriate grade levels and curriculum areas, management and reporting systems, and cost considerations. A list of vendors offering ITS and…

Discusses benefits of an Integrated Learning System (ILS) and addresses concerns that need to be considered during the selection process. Highlights include the evaluation process; initial and ongoing costs; installation in either a lab setting or distributed placement in the classrooms; scheduling; and daily management. (LRW)