Evaluates four authoring systems used to develop computer aided interactive video: The Instructor, InfoWriter, IDeAS, and ProCAL2. The information provided includes hardware requirements, compatibility with videotape and/or videodisc, instructional options available, user data-management capabilities, procedures for logging tapes, and access for…

Describes a computer program written in Microsoft BASIC for use on personal computers to calculate travel times of refracted waves in layered structures with arbitrary dipping interfaces. Exercises for student use are given to illustrate some of the basic properties of reversed refraction travel time graphs. (TW)

Describes how the graphics capabilities of the Apple Macintosh computer can be used in geological teaching by customizing fill patterns with lithologic symbols. Presents two methods for doing this: creating a dummy document, or by changing the pattern resource resident in the operating system. Special symbols can also replace fonts. (TW)

Presents practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and also submitted by readers that can be easily adapted to different grade levels. Includes seven computer-based activities on topics such as map-making, word games, database logic, concatenation, and one-line programs. (ML)

Presents practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and also submitted by readers that can easily be adapted to different grade levels. Contains eight computer based activities which provide experience with spreadsheets, random number functioning, word puzzles, survey plotting, graphics, and Logo programming. (ML)

Faculty members who write computer software for teaching often find that their chances of getting credit for it during promotion-and-tenure reviews are slim. Software development needs to be considered scholarship just like research. (MLW)

Describes the implementation of a trajectory-plotting program for a microcomputer; shows how it may be used to demonstrate the focusing effect of a simple electrostatic lens. The computer program is listed and diagrams are included that show comparisons of trajectories of negative charges in the vicinity of positive charges. (TW)

Presents examples of didactic computer software developed in a college of engineering, along with a discussion of pedagogical and systems considerations. Discusses the use of the computer in relation to Bloom's Taxonomy. Describes the system approach, which is used to sequentially develop valid and relevant software. (TW)

Describes the content and structure of a computer-assisted reading instruction program for intermediate level adults learning English in a business environment. The program focuses on the three reading subskills of skimming, scanning, and guessing. Suggestions for teachers on how to evaluate effective courseware are provided. (Author/SED)

Explores the decision-making process that went into producing the Blossom computer-assisted instruction (CAI) materials for French instruction at Pennsylvania State University. Some of the attributes, limitations, and questions concerning the user, validity, and usefulness of CAI materials are also discussed. (Author/SED)

A computer program that provides a routine assessment of a text is an important instructional aid. AT&T's system, Writer's Workbench, provides Colorado State University's business students feedback to achieve a clear writing style in letters, memos, and reports. (MLW)

The DAPPOR software, a drill and practice program for learning the command languages of major vendors of bibliographic databases, was tested in a classroom environment at two library schools. Statistically significant positive learning differences were observed with DAPPOR use, particularly with the DIALOG language. (21 references) (Author/EJS)

Describes development of a causal model to test effects of scholastic ability, computing attitudes, and computing background of university undergraduates on use of a computer-assisted instructional system, PLATO-LDEC; on attitudes toward PLATO-LDEC; on computing attitudes after students' PLATO-LDEC experience; and on course grade. (Author/MBR)

An experimental program for university summer students of French as a second language that provided a computer resource center and a variety of courseware, authoring aids, and other software for student use is described and the problems and advantages are discussed. (MSE)

Computer-based instruction (CBI) studies analyzed by Kulik et al. were examined to explore the validity of competing claims about the computer's contribution to measured achievement gains. Results suggest achievement gains found in CBI studies are overestimated and are due to uncontrolled but robust instructional methods embedded in CBI…