Briefly discusses three different approaches to instruction and differences between education and training, and proposes a system for categorizing different types of instructional software currently available: memorization software for education (drill and practice) and for training (simulations), and performance aid software (intelligent computer…

Reviews two spelling packages ("Spelldiver" and "Attack of the Spelling Bees") and a reading program ("The Word Bird"), which teaches spatial relationships while encouraging the young reader to read carefully. Includes suggested age(s), hardware needed, current price, manufacturer, distributor, and in-depth evaluation…

Objectives and outline are provided for a 10-week, upper-level nutrition and computer course. The outline specifies weekly topics and the focus of accompanying lectures and laboratory sessions, including the specific microcomputer program used with each task. (JN)

Discusses the development of an instrument to assist educators in evaluating software and to aid them in developing useful software for nutrition education and nutrient analysis purposes. The complete survey instrument is included. (JN)

Describes a program which simulates the kinetic behavior of a "typical" enzyme. Program objectives, background to the kinetic model used in the simulation, major program features, typical results obtained, and a note on the availability of the program (written in BASIC for Commodore microcomputer) are included. (JN)

Describes the general principles of a nonexperimental learning theory-based courseware evaluation which calls attention to instructional sequences in the courseware to determine if the sequence is programed around learning principles. The results of using this type of evaluation for two computerized training devices are summarized. (MBR)

Describes eight characteristics of good educational software. They are: (1) educational soundness; (2) ease of use; (3) "bullet" proofing (preventing a program from coming to a premature halt); (4) clear instructions; (5) appropriate language; (6) appropriate frame size; (7) motivation; and (8) evaluation. (JN)

Web-based materials presented through course management software can become an integral part of the students' learning process. Online activities and content promote active, collaborative, and accessible learning. Faculty recognize these benefits, but often struggle with finding the time and effort to develop Web material. This article presents a…

This paper examines the concept of time in multimedia, World Wide Web-based courseware development. The biological concept of entrainment (the alignment of rhythms within and between systems) to accelerate courseware development is explored. The discussion begins with the foundational concepts of entrainment from biological systems and social…

With limits on both personnel and time available to conduct effective instruction, the decision is being made increasingly to enhance instructor-led courses with Computer-Based Training (CBT). The effectiveness of this conversion is often unknown and in many cases empirical evaluations are never conducted. This paper describes and discusses the…

Outlines a workshop to develop and discuss strategies for formative evaluation of courseware and to create evaluation tools appropriate to those strategies. After watching a software demonstration, small groups devised evaluation strategies. Two approaches were identified: one to evaluate the software and printed material separately and together,…

This article reviews current resources on computer-assisted instruction. Included are sources of software and hardware evaluations, advances in current technology, research, an information hotline, and inventories of available technological assistance. (DB)

Provides a practical guide for evaluators of social studies courseware derived from a general evaluation instrument and the National Council for Social Studies' curriculum specific guidelines. The criteria address content, instructional, and technical quality, as well as social studies knowledge, skill development, and values. Includes a sample…

This article describes the Software Evaluation Clearinghouse for Educators of the Hearing Impaired at Gallaudet University (Washington, DC). Software compatible with Apple and IBM hardware is collected, rated by clearinghouse members, and described in a printed catalog. Tips on starting a software lending library are offered. (PB)

This overview of the computer industry vendors that supply microcomputer hardware to educators for use in kindergarten through high school focuses on Apple, Tandy, Commodore, and IBM. The use of MS-DOS versus the operating system used in Apple computers is discussed, and pricing and service issues are raised. (LRW)