Describes a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program used to teach DOS commands. Pretest and posttest results for 65 graduate students using the program are reported, and it is concluded that the CAI program significantly aided the students. Sample screen displays for the program and several questions from the pre/posttest are included. (nine…

Describes a study of computer use in classrooms at three land grant universities to determine the level at which computers have been integrated into the curriculum. Faculty attitudes toward computers are examined, hindrances to computer use are considered, and recommendations for the use of computers in higher education are suggested. (Contains…

This paper summarizes the state of instructional software being produced by commercial sources in the United States as of late 1984, and reports some of the trends which led up to that state. After a brief background synopsis and description of the procedure used to obtain information, the document discusses such topics as: amount of software…

Describes a study that compared three graduate level hypermedia courses and investigated whether a certain sequence or specific content might affect students' attitudes toward hypermedia. Authorware-based courses are compared with HyperCard-based courses, and the use of the Stages of Concern Questionnaire is discussed. (LRW)

Discussion of the use of text analysis software by basic writers in college courses focuses on a study conducted in 1982-83 at Colorado State University that investigated the benefits of using the Writer's Workbench software in a basic writing program. Data are reported on holistically scored writing samples, editing quizzes, and student…

Discusses the Computers in Teaching Initiative Centre for Geography (CTICG), part of a network of 21 subject-based centers in the United Kingdom, intended to promote computer-assisted learning in higher education. Examines courseware sources and suggests developing a database of available software or a distribution service. Lists CTICG's aims in…

Describes a study of 31 undergraduate students that explored their preferences for and the relationships among text format variables in computer screen layouts. The design of 64 computer text types for the study is explained, results are analyzed, and further research questions related to learning strategies are suggested. (LRW)

Analyzes the relative advantages of using text versus voice to convey verbal information in multimedia courseware and reports results of a study of undergraduates that investigated the effects of presentation method on learning and student preferences. Topics include realism, dual modality, controllability, content characteristics, learner…

This paper discusses the lessons learned from the use of early state-of-the-art Computer-Based Training (CBT) applications and hopes for the future. The paper is based on experiences with large introductory personal computer applications classes with over 700 students that used CBT such as Virtual Tutor and PinPoint. Findings are presented related…

Describes experiences at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) with the use of simulation software in life sciences laboratories and discusses the results of evaluation procedures that included confidence logs, questionnaires, interviews, and grades. A table of statistical results relevant to confidence log comparisons and the postcourse…

Describes the design and exploratory use of an interactive hypertext program, SKEIM (Shell for Knowledge Engineering, Instruction, and Measurement), that was developed to record university students' review strategies of a set of lecture notes. Topics discussed include domain experts; navigation; text display guidelines; and the relationship of…

Based on the premise that the production strategy and the production approach have a strong impact on quality courseware development, a survey was conducted in 1987 to evaluate the development processes used for computer-assisted instruction curriculum materials. Questionnaires were sent to 64 institutions of higher education in England, the…

Describes decision-aiding software, Policy/Goal Percentaging (P/G%), that can process a set of controversial alternatives when used with microcomputer-aided instruction. The benefits and objectives of microcomputer use are discussed, and applications of the software to problems in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities…

This study investigated the relationships between hypermedia users' information processing styles and navigational patterns. Three aspects of navigational patterns were investigated: navigational depth patterns that reveal how comprehensively users access; navigational path patterns that display what sequences users follow; and navigational method…

Describes a study that identified various strategies used by graduate students to navigate a hypermedia program about ethnographic research methodology. The strategies included independent interaction, accommodation of a learning partner, cooperation with a partner, collaboration mediated by the program, and reflective collaboration with little or…