The article describes three approaches to using microcomputers with children ages 8-16 who have special learning needs: (1) developing basic concepts and skills (e.g., spelling); (2) developing general concepts and skills (e.g., reporting); (3) developing global concepts (e.g., producing a newspaper). Examples of computer software for each area…

Examines the current state of computer-based music instruction and the sophistication of available courseware. Discusses the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), speculating on the effects it might have upon the arts, education, and culture. Explores the potential that new technology holds for helping all people realize their artistic…

The author discusses current uses of computers in adult basic skills instruction. Compares three primary systems available for purchase in adult literacy instruction: (1) Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO), (2) Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC), and (3) Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Presents…

Argues that a special type of software (i.e., mindware) is needed to prepare students for life and work in the knowledge-based society of the 21st Century. Sees mindware as enabling students to experience the full range of inquiry skills, from data gathering to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (DMM)

Reviews four software packages: (1) Agents of Infection; (2) The Earth Science Series; (3) Investigating Electric Fields; and (4) Aquatic Biology-PC. Describes the hardware needed, bibliographic data and specific details of the programs themselves. (CW)

Describes study that compared teacher panel reviews of educational software to field test reports to determine the levels of agreement between the two evaluation types. Methods of evaluation are discussed, the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES) are explained, and the results of the study of 36 software packages are presented.…

Examination of how far research work on the design of printed text can inform research on the design of electronic text centers on three areas: the layout of instructional text, the role of typographic cueing, and the presentation of graphic materials. Future research needs are discussed, and 101 references are provided. (LRW)

This discussion of authoring systems focuses on modes of computer-assisted learning delivery and criteria for their selection. Topics discussed include industry's use of authoring systems, a systems approach to designing courseware, media selection, learning strategies, instructional events that comprise learning situations, and cognitive…

Description of features of integrated learning systems (ILS) compares minicomputer- and microcomputer-based systems; provides updated buyers' guide information on networked-microcomputer ILSs, ILS courseware, and minicomputer-based ILSs; and presents educators' opinions of these systems. (MBR)

Outlines an approach to vocabulary selection for computer-assisted language instruction that presents target language lexical items not as individual entities but as elements in a variety of semantic, morphological, morphosemantic, pragmatic, and interlinguistic relationships. (Author/MSE)

Describes speech digitization with the Victor 9000 computer which produces natural-sounding speech, conveniently produced and readily integrated into programs having a realistic context. Programing techniques, pedagogical strategies and concerns, and the machine's recording procedures are discussed. (SED)

Offers an approach for teaching a unit on classification that combines various software programs with traditional science teaching methods. Provides procedural directives for the activities and explains the objectives of each exercise. (ML)

Describes an Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) study which evaluated 163 elementary and secondary education microcomputer courseware programs for intent, content, methods and approach, and evaluation, to discover whether trends existed across areas and courseware types, and to determine strengths and weaknesses of available…

Discusses two factors to consider in relation to the use of color and the design of computerized instructional materials: the purpose of using color in instruction and how the microcomputer, with its limitations, affects color use. Principles for the use of color are suggested. (Author/MBR)

Discusses computer assisted instruction (CAI) from perspective of artificial intelligence researchers and describes program features of intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI) that researchers feel will improve on deficiencies of CAI. Program descriptions and sample interactions from several tutorial and expert system ICAI programs are…