Describes examples of outstanding videodiscs, summarizes evidence on effectiveness of videodisc as a teaching tool, and discusses factors associated with design of effective videodisc for instruction. Such factors include interactivity, visual design, organization, active participation, metaphors and models, personality, and a team approach. (MBR)

An alternative approach to the systematic design and development of computer-assisted instruction courseware by classroom teachers is described which consist of three main stages of design, development, evaluation, and revision. Each stage produces a usable output: (1) computer-assisted testing program; (2) drill and practice courseware; and (3)…

Traces the history of computer usage in the arts, examines how computers are being used in music today, and addresses the state of computer-based music instruction. Assesses available hardware and software, calling for more innovative and interactive products and a discontinuance of the drillmaster-learning machine approach to computer-based…

Presents a fictionalized account illustrating the process by which willful states, misguided experts, cunning marketeers, and overworked teachers and administrators produce textbooks that are ill-written, confusing, misleading, and boring. (BJV)

Outlines the business and production aspects of self-publishing, with some tips for desktop publishing, as it involves the design and development of Canadian English-as a-second-language instructional materials. (Author/CB)

Describes the current educational videodisc market and analyzes the present growth trend. Highlights include software availability, hardware costs, microcomputers in public schools, the integration of videodiscs into public schools, and suggestions to interactive videodisc industry professionals for continuing the growth of the videodisc market.…

Discusses four common reasons why schools pursue the integration of computers into their programs--including technological awareness, improved productivity, and improving student achievement. States that schools must be clear about the basis for investing in computers and related technologies. (MM)

Provides a framework for understanding the concept of validity and how it applies to simulation research. Extant tests of validity are discussed in terms of this framework, and a general schema for testing validity is proposed. (MBR)

Describes the methodology adopted in the creation of one of a variety of games created for use in specific business courses at Leeds Polytechnic Business School (England), including constraints under which it was constructed, its initial implementation, and its established use. The game focused on pricing decisions in a retail establishment. (MBR)

Surveys current state-of-the-art in courseware development for microcomputers; discusses guidelines for overall program and screen display design; describes three major approaches to developing courseware--programing language, authoring system, or authoring language use; and reviews two current research areas--automated instructional development…

A task force at Northwestern University Library reviewed utility of a slide-tape program in new student orientation, and created an updated version for library use. The year-long project combined planning, goal-setting, budgeting, studying equipment and techniques, script-writing, selecting appropriate slides, and integrating all parts into a…

Surveys research on programmed instruction, questions, and feedback in instruction to identify guidelines for developing computer assisted instruction. The most important guidelines identified are those related to use of questions as attention, coding, and rehearsal devices, and those related to corrective feedback. (MBR)

Describes a faculty training program instituted by the Instructional Media Center at University of California Northridge, which helps faculty members to become competent content specialists by working with media specialists to produce instructional media, and exposes them to the media center's operation. The program's objectives, operation, and…

Described and evaluated are microcomputer units of instruction that were developed for use in undergraduate geography courses. Students responded favorably to the modules--"Socioeconomic Patterns,""Economic Rent,""Sampling Distribution of Sample Means,""Land Use Competition,""Data Classing,""Weather and Climate," and "Landforms." (RM)

Summarizes the results of research on oral and written language processes and lists problems with computer software that does not reflect that research. (AEA)