Reviews instructional design research and theory and relates it to the design of computer-based instructional materials. Instructional design guidelines are offered to aid software developers in making design decisions on three macrolevel and four microlevel of instruction. (Author/LRW)

Argues that software for electronic boards should address a variety of teaching styles, student abilities and ages, class textbooks, teaching objectives, and learning environments for flexibility of use. The software features that contribute to flexibility include frequent stops, options for going backwards, inter- and intra-unit jumps, and…

Points out differences between the "instructional design" and "authoring" approaches to creating courses and courseware for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Describes models and procedures for designing effective CAI packages. (Author/RW)

Discusses standards developed by the Educational Computer Service of the National Education Association that incorporate technical, educational, and documentation components to guide authors in the development of quality educational software. (Author/MBR)

Identifies a number of procedures and factors which may be of use to educators involved in the selection and implementation of a computer-assisted learning (CAL) application. Specific characteristics and attributes of the CAL medium are discussed and a brief review of research is provided. A reference list is attached. (Author/JL)

Describes performance criteria for users of computer assisted instruction (CAI) that are used to provide users with feedback about their performance relative to other users. This study evaluated 146 novice users on their percentages of correct responses, time required for completion, and number of times the CAI tutorial was performed. (LRW)

Suggest some ways in which computer assisted instruction can be designed to help freshman college students learn the conventions and grammatical forms of standard written English. Some specific instructional design considerations are discussed and the advantages of computer assisted instruction are outlined. Six figures and a reference list are…

Presents two examples of computer-based learning developed at the Educational Technology Center at the University of California. One is concerned with scientific literacy and the other with helping students improve formal reasoning skills. Two references are listed. (Author/MBR)

Documents the design, development, and evaluation of a computer-managed spelling system for use with microcomputers in elementary schools. A comparison of this new technology with more conventional instruction, which indicated its greater effectiveness and economy, is also described, and implications for the future of computers in education are…

Discusses some reasons courseware developers have not embraced the systematic approach to microcomputer courseware design and describes ways systematic design could have a positive impact on courseware acceptance in classrooms. Twenty-two references are listed. (MBR)

Description of the Tektronix-Based Interactive Graphics System for Instruction (TIGSI), which was developed for generating graphics displays in computer-assisted instruction materials, discusses several applications (e.g., reinforcing learning of concepts, principles, rules, and problem-solving techniques) and presents advantages of the TIGSI…

Description of a validated computer assisted instruction (CAI) program (The Addition Tutorial) illustrates how four critical components for instruction--learning principles application to instructional design; sufficient database; adequate motivational system; and delivery system which provides teacher learning environment control--might be…

Presents recommendations for the topics and organization of preservice and inservice teacher training activities based on (1) a literature review on staff development for computer-assisted instruction, and (2) on opinions of successful microcomputer-using teachers in elementary and secondary science and mathematics instruction. (31 references)…