Effectiveness of microcomputer-assisted instruction is based on availability of quality instructional programs. Important characteristics of high quality instructional software is offered for health educators. (Author/DF)

Videodisk technology consists of the videodisk, the videodisk player, and the equipment necessary to produce the videodisk. Describes videodisk technology and its advantages over similar media, its most prevalent uses, current educational applications, and courseware developed by the Interactive Videodisk for Special Education Technology project.…

Describes a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) program to accompany a 15-week, college-level, introductory lecture course on the scientific principles of mammalian nutrition. The nature of the program is discussed, and examples of how it operates are provided. Comments on the evaluation of the program are also provided. (JN)

Many current software systems for authoring interactive microcomputer/video instructional materials have noticeable drawbacks. Advantages of interactive software systems are examined and a research project to develop interactive video authoring tools without the drawbacks is described. (JN)

Computers can be used to help develop physical proficiency in the handicapped student if appropriate software is used. Suggested computer use for various educational purposes includes sports games, assessment, simulation, and accommodation of severe disabilities. (DF)

At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, interactive video serves both as an instructional tool and a project for creative students in graphic communications. The package facilitates courseware development and teaches students simultaneously about microcomputer and video technology. (SK)

Points out that although there are thousands of software programs available to support educational applications, there is a paucity of suitable courseware. An in-place system for proper evaluation of courseware that, to date, has "approved" more than 200 computer-assisted instructional programs is described. (JN)

Reviews: (1) "Galaxy Search" (reading skills game); (2) "Spellagraph" (rebus game providing effective drill of spelling words in context); and (3) "Reading Comprehension Skills 3" (provides drill of sounds and words and practice with reading comprehension skills). Includes computer needed, manufacturer, current price,…

Reports on the various ways microcomputer hardware and courseware are being integrated into the nation's schools, in a race to avoid being locked into technological mediocrity. Effectiveness of computer assisted instruction, courseware development, and the time students use computers in elementary and secondary schools are among the areas…

The choice of what to include in educational software is an issue with which instructional designers are regularly concerned. Multimedia capacity, standard on today's desktop computers, gives designers the opportunity to provide learners a more exciting learning experience than simply looking, clicking, and then looking some more. One feature that…

This pamphlet discusses open courseware, exploring its origin and educational potential. "Courseware" includes educational software and electronic course materials. "Open courseware" describes courseware that gives users a significant degree of openness (or accessibility) to these course materials. The courseware provides a technological and legal…

This paper describes the results of a United Kingdom research program evaluating computer-based learning software and determining its suitability in supporting the different learning styles of users. A design taxonomy is proposed that helps designers build software to target multiple specific learning styles. This enables the courseware to be more…

New technologies are used in many courses and for many occasions. Good teachers try to use the best tool and the best method to introduce or to treat difficult subjects by presenting the information in different ways: spoken words, written text, pictures, graphs, movies or by using interactive computer tools. It is a fact that students who…

Discusses navigation in instructional hypertext programs and describes two preliminary studies that investigated concrete versus abstract representations for backward navigation. Topics include representation and hypermedia sign systems; and consistency in the forms designers use for navigation buttons. (LRW)

The MEDA (Methodologie d'Evaluation des Didacticiels pour les Adultes) tool is a generic instrument to evaluate training courseware. It was developed for software designers to improve products, for instructors to select appropriate courseware, and for distributors and consultants to match software to client needs. Describes software evaluation…