The systematic evaluation process used in Georgia's DeKalb County School System to purchase comprehensive instructional software--an integrated learning system (ILS)--is described, and the decision-making model for selection is presented. Selection and implementation of an ILS were part of an instructional technology plan for the DeKalb schools…

Integrated Learning Systems (ILS) can be used as instructional tools and to produce reports on student progress. Three different systems from Curriculum Computer Corporation (CCC), Ideal Learning, Inc., and Jostens Learning Corporation were piloted in three elementary school to evaluate ILS usefulness in reading/language arts and math. The pilot…

This paper addresses criteria in the design and development of computer-based courseware. The term "interactive multimedia" describes both the technology and the demands placed on the user. It implies that the user becomes actively engaged with the subject, thereby improving the likelihood that net learning takes place. However, nothing…

Computer-aided instruction incorporating interactive multimedia and network technologies can boost teaching effectiveness and student learning. This article describes the development and implementation of network server-based interactive multimedia courseware for a fundamental course in nuclear engineering. A student survey determined that 80% of…

Discusses summative and formative evaluation methods used and problems encountered in the study of LOGICLANDIA, a courseware package for the teaching and learning of predicate logic in Italian secondary schools. The evaluation process had three phases: subjective, in-house prototypes, and field testing. Results produced revisions in courseware…

Describes CAPA, a software tool to implement a computer-assisted personalized approach for homework assignments and examinations in a large introductory physics class at Michigan State University. Highlights include increased individual attention for students; correlation between homework performance and results of the final exam; feedback for…

An article and four sidebars examine tools that help information professionals perform efficient Internet searches. Topics include search engine features, integrated software applications, document management and creation utilities, the speed of online communications, intelligent agents for filtering information, cross-platform networking…

Effectiveness of a computer simulation to teach endodontic diagnosis was assessed using three groups (n=34,32,24) of dental students. All were lectured on diagnosis, pathology, and radiographic interpretation. One group then used the simulation, another had a seminar on the same material, and the third group had no further instruction. Results…

Reports on the development and evaluation of "Practicing Spoken French," a multimedia HyperCard-based program designed to assess the effects of subtitled video on oral communicative performance of undergraduate students of French. Implications for computer-assisted language learning design and research are suggested. (Contains 31…

Two articles describe the use of computer software to help elementary students develop literacy and writing skills: the first article evaluates "Writing to Read" software, comparing its use in classrooms and in computer labs with traditional instruction; the second article discusses using "Writing to Write" software with third graders. (LRW)

This article discusses different types of literacy software and provides an annotated list of recommended software packages. Guidelines for previewing and selecting software are given, and short reviews of 17 programs are included along with contact information for their publishers, suggested age and ability levels, and details of hardware…

A framework for examining the effectiveness of different types of educational computing environments addresses the conceptual characteristics of the knowledge domain being learned and the learner's stage of knowledge. Characteristics of certain technology-based learning environments (computer-based drill, intelligent tutoring systems, hypertext)…

Reviews a number of interactive environmental computer education networks and software packages. Computer networks include National Geographic Kids Network, Global Lab, and Global Rivers Environmental Education Network. Computer software involve environmental decision making, simulation games, tropical rainforests, the ocean, the greenhouse…

This paper examines the development and testing of a machine-translation program designed to translate English text into Portuguese. A comparison of machine- and human-translated texts, using Brazilian secondary school students as readers, found that they were equally understood, both in terms of main ideas and details. (six references) (MDM)

In this paper, an attempt to apply the synthesized results from previous research on theories of actual development of courseware is demonstrated in an interactive videodisc project that aims to promote English-as-a-foreign-language learning at Tsing Hua University in Taiwan. Instructional design and practical considerations for implementation of…