In a number of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries, a vast amount of educational software covering the major school subjects is now available. Educational authorities or independent non-profit bodies have set up clearinghouses or centers for the review and evaluation of educational software. In 1988, the…

Noting that formative research on educational computer software has traditionally focused on comprehensibility, appeal, and usefulness, this report argues that these three elements tell us very little about the actual role that the formative researcher plays in the instructional design process. This paper outlines the complexity of the tasks and…

This presentation describes SuperPILOT, an extended version of Apple PILOT, a programming language for developing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with the Apple II computer that includes the features of its early PILOT (Programmed Inquiry, Learning or Teaching) ancestors together with new features that make use of the Apple computer's advanced…

Intended for use by preservice and in-service teachers, this book contains directions for development of Applesoft BASIC programs that provide instruction related to the learning of school subjects. Chapter 1 tells how to select a topic suitable for educational software and gives directions for developing program content based on specified…

This paper describes a design model presented in workbook form which is intended to facilitate computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software design by teachers who do not have programming experience. Presentation of the model is preceded by a number of assumptions that underlie the instructional content and methods of the textbook. It is argued…

Differences in sets of criteria for evaluating microcomputer software are discussed. They are set against the results of three studies in which teachers in the United Kingdom evaluated five programs which were used in reading or English lessons. A comparison of the checklist criteria with the case study data was made using Stake's (1967) matrix of…

This courseware evaluation rates the Nutri-Calc microcomputer program developed by CAMDE of Tempe, Arizona. (The program--not included in this document--consists of Nutri-Calc, which calculates total nutritional intake and Recommended Daily Allowances, and Calorie-Magic, which calculates individual ideal caloric intake.) Part A describes…

This paper describes a demonstration of an instructional package consisting of original, interactive microcomputer-based simulations and accompanying faculty and student guides designed to assist in teaching introductory psychology. An Apple IIe computer and color monitor were used. The paper contains: (1) a purpose statement; (2) a brief summary…

To determine which elements of courseware are and are not effective in computer-based education, 59 learning disabled students were observed during a 5 1/2-month period using over 20 commercial courseware packages. Additional elements of the naturalistic study included interviews with teachers, students, and administrators; and analysis of the…

Examination of how teachers use computers in second-language instruction leads to the suggestion that designers need to take a wider view of the computer's role in language learning and more strongly consider the teacher's presence; and that teachers have to contribute more to computer-assisted language learning sessions, using their skills and…

The study evaluated the role of instructional design in the field test and revision process for a computer-assisted instructional program with 26 secondary resource room students. Scores significantly favored students receiving the revised program. (Author/DB)

Criteria for software resource centers drafted by the International Council for Computers in Education focus on the responsibilities of: (1) centers, which should serve as links between publishers and educators; (2) software publishers, who should assist educators in previewing instructional software before purchase; and (3) schools, which should…

Five guidelines are presented for selecting educational courseware. Student behavioral objectives should be stated. Motivational and informative feedback should be provided. The type of student control should be appropriate to the learner and the task. The content should be accurate, and the pedagogical approach should be acceptable to the school…

Describes the inadequacies of the current software for computer-based instruction, and presents a framework of instructional components to guide the design of such software. A taxonomy of design considerations is then discussed, including instructional context, strategies, and technical capabilities that can be used to enhance instruction. (4…

Reviews the principles of the behavioral model of learning and discusses the need to incorporate these principles in the development of educational software programs. Criteria for evaluating software programs based on their inclusion of behavioral principles are provided, and the evaluations of six available programs based on these criteria are…