Describes the application of case analysis to a learner-centered microcomputer-based instructional model. Topics discussed include the use of computer-based case analysis with adult students; case planning; and two sample cases, one a decision-making model and one a technical model. (21 references) (LRW)

Outlines Component Design Theory, which is based on the author's earlier Component Display Theory, and provides the instructional design guidance needed for experiential computer based instructional systems. Highlights include a contrast between tutorial and experiential instructional models, content structures, consistency rules, instructional…

Presents a classification system of four microcomputer simulation types developed to evaluate their instructional processes: structured questions and graphics, variable-assignment exercises, diagnostic simulations, and group-interactive simulations. How this taxonomy contributes to three tasks associated with classroom use of software is…

Describes an Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) study which evaluated 163 elementary and secondary education microcomputer courseware programs for intent, content, methods and approach, and evaluation, to discover whether trends existed across areas and courseware types, and to determine strengths and weaknesses of available…

This paper addresses the numerous ways that computers may be used to enhance the teaching of accounting and business topics. It focuses on the pedagogical use of spreadsheet software to improve the conceptual coverage of accounting principles and practice, increase student understanding by involvement in the solution process, and reduce the amount…

The field of instructional technology is characterized by its products, such as instructional media, and its processes, such as instructional design. The process of instructional technology has been shaped by advances in learning and instructional theory over the past 50 years. Much of the development work of the field to date has been on direct…

For this discussion, new technologies are defined as specially designed training systems based on microcomputers that incorporate high resolution color displays, special input devices for responses, laser videodiscs for storage of stimulus materials, and hard disk storage for programs and responses. Such systems have several advantages over…

Discussion of educational computer simulations focuses on the parallel instruction theory that was developed at the University of Twente to combine the simulation with instructional materials, including those that may be printed. The MacTHESIS design system and philosophy are discussed, and simulation and learning environments based on the…

This paper discusses the development of computer-based business simulations designed to prepare high school students for entry-level jobs in business, and explores the implementation of feedback mechanisms in simulations. Reasons why simulations are an appropriate type of media for this application, the nature of feedback, and research on feedback…

This paper discusses four areas in the psychology literature that have important implications for the instructional design of microcomputer-based simulations. The first one examined is cognitive structures, and the following suggestions for instructional design are offered: simulations should be appropriate for students' level of understanding;…

Describes the development of a microcomputer simulation program that uses a fictional country to teach students about societal processes in developing nations. The discussion covers design objectives, the design process, and further possibilities for this type of simulation. (CLB)

High and low level questions as determined by a panel of evaluators were combined with corrective feedback and attribute isolation feedback to form four versions of a computer-based science lesson. The sample consisted of 154 high school chemistry students in a suburban high school. The primary hypothesis was that students who received high level…

This study investigated the efficacy of using the advance organizer as a device to improve medical students' understanding of a clinical case simulation on the microcomputer and to enhance performance on a posttest. Advance organizers were found to be effective and most consistent with Mayer's assimilation theory. (MBR)

This paper describes the development and current state of videodisk technology in Canada. The first section focuses on the technology itself, i.e., the disks, disk players, and the possibilities they offer for interaction between learner and machine. The current costs of the technology and the probable effect of these costs on the market are also…

The popularity of DIALOG database searching causes problems when requestors do not understand how the service operates or how to fill out a search request. This report describes the implementation of a computer-aided instructional (CAI) program, which was developed using the UTAH PILOT programming language, to convey basic information about DIALOG…