In the area of composition, computer assisted instruction (CAI) must move beyond the limited concerns of the current-traditional rhetoric to address the larger issues of writing, become process-centered, and involve active writing rather than answering multiple-choice questions. Researchers cite four major types of interactive CAI, the last of…

One way for foreign language teachers to evaluate computer software, or courseware, for computer-assisted instruction is to look at it from the point of view of the roles of the courseware author as production manager, curriculum developer, learning specialist, instructional designer, and evaluator. In assessing courseware, teachers should decide…

This study investigated whether an interactive video system of instruction taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as effectively as traditional instruction. Using standards of the American Heart Association, the study was designed with two randomized groups to be taught either by live instruction or by interactive video. Subjects were 100…

Teaching invention strategies on the computer offers solutions to the problems of selection and presence by providing a variety of invention strategy alternatives. These strategies inform the teacher of the rhetorical task at hand and allow communication to exist at all stages of writing. A writer using a computer and a pool of heuristic…

The use of computers in higher education instruction is addressed from a pedagogical point of view and is intended as a guide to the integration of computers into instruction in ways that will fulfill the technology's promise and avoid its problems. After an introductory section on the promises and problems of computers, Part One ("Enriching…

This is the final report of a year-long research project on the implementation of a guided inquiry approach using the Geometric Supposer, a microcomputer software series, to teach high school geometry in three Boston area suburbs during the 1985-1986 school year. The project assessed student learning and examined the many and varied issues…

The papers presented in this conference proceedings describe specific strategies and techniques that can be used to enhance and improve undergraduate psychology instruction. The following papers are included: (1) "Playing the Dating Game: An Experimental and Empirical Exercise on Sex-Roles," by Ann L. Saltzman; (2) "Small Group Research Experience…

This paper summarizes research in modern cognitive theory that relates to the role of computer drill and practice programs in learning and describes a prototype program that exemplifies recommended characteristics. Focus is on four major issues that are relevant to the design and optimization of computer drills: interference, spaced practice,…

A review of computer assisted instruction research and recent meta-analytical reports suggests that all research on the learning benefits of the instructional uses of computers should be halted until there is a plausible reason to expect that computers are instrumental in learning, since all existing evidence indicates that computers do not yield…

A review was conducted of 16 research studies evaluating the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in teaching reading and language arts in the elementary school. The studies were of what K. A. Hall has termed "interactive instruction," which includes drill and practice as well as tutoring. Of the studies reviewed, 13 used at least…

Articles in this journal issue focus on computer applications for the English classroom. Following an introduction (Ken Davis), the seven articles discuss the following topics: (1) the computer as an administrative, instructional, and research aide for English teachers (Brian D. Monahan); (2) computer technology and the writing teacher (Sandra J.…

Using word processing in the elementary school writing curriculum is advantageous for both students and teachers. Word processors motivate students to spend more time on task, encourage changes and rewriting, and eliminate concern for neatness and the tedium of writing (and rewriting) by hand. Teachers can see that students using the word…

Michigan Technological University is designing a series of computer modules for supplementary, process-based writing instruction. The Wordsworth II program will lighten the workload of composition instructors by involving students in an individualized writing program outside the regular classroom. It is a sophisticated and interactive program…

The purpose of this training module is to introduce science teachers at the secondary level to effective applications of microcomputers for instruction and to provide information on the current state of science-related microcomputer courseware. Designed to provide for 12 presentation hours, the module is divided into seven sessions: (1) Realities…

Educational videodiscs can provide effective instruction, but the cost of hardware needed to perform the desired system functions have been a limiting factor in videodisc use in the classroom. However, many videodisc applications can be adequately and effectively approached with much less than the ideal system, and very little attention has been…