The third session of IT@EDU98 consisted of five papers on educational software and was chaired by Tran Van Hao (University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). "Courseware Engineering" (Nguyen Thanh Son, Ngo Ngoc Bao Tran, Quan Thanh Tho, Nguyen Hong Lam) briefly describes the use of courseware. "Machine Discovery Theorems in Geometry: A…

During the past three years, the role of the instructional systems designer has taken on greater significance for instructors. This is because many faculty members have been asked to put their entire courses online over the World Wide Web. Instructors are now creating a substantial percentage of the online courses with little or no background in…

Describes the development and implementation of a stand-alone computer assisted learning package for the manufacturing division of Digital Equipment Corporation. Trial tests of the courseware showed gradual improvement suggesting that computer assisted learning has considerable potential in industrial training. Identifies several issues to be…

The American Association for the Advancement of Science held the 1996 Annual Meeting and Science Innovation Exposition in Baltimore (Maryland). Symposia considered interdisciplinary research issues, and seminars and multimedia presentations highlighted the librarian's role in Internet use and infrastructure, "The Textbook of the Future,"…

This case study examined 15 teachers' beliefs about student-centered learning as they implemented Alien Rescue, a computer-based program for middle school science that was designed to create a student-centered learning environment (SCLE) in the classroom. Discusses the goal of student activity, the role of the teacher, assessment, and student…

Discussion of the cultural complexities of distance learning (DL)programs focuses on collaboration between the Hellenic Open University and the University of Manchester on three distance learning programs. Highlights include courseware; writer mentoring; comparisons of methodological cultures; a conceptualization for the development of appropriate…

Examines the methodological common denominator among several models for courseware development and discusses in detail both the design and the validation phases. Emphasizes the need for a systematic approach in which multiple authors' skills are exploited and the cost-benefit ratio is kept at an acceptable level. (AEF)

Authorware is Macromedia's powerful feature-rich tool for courseware development. Version 6.5, released in September 2002, introduces new features for usability, extensibility, and accessibility. New usability enhancements include improvements to script functions and liberal use of drag-and-drop operations. First-time users should beware that they…

Explains the University of Minnesota Learning Software Design Competition, focusing on its goals and emphasis on innovation. Describes the review process to evaluate and judge the software, lists the winners, identifies a new class of educational software, and outlines plans for future competitions. (Author/LRW)

Describes student-performance data-analysis system developed by the Hueneme School District in Port Hueneme, California, to meet state and federal accountability requirements. Tracks student-achievement data from four measures into database: Districtwide assessment, report cards, SAT-9 results, a California achievement test, and comprehensive…

Discusses the focusing effect of technology as a way of systematically accounting for the role of technology when students form ideas that are unexpected and unwanted by teachers and designers of the technology being implemented. Includes examples of university students using graphing calculators and mathematics software and considers implications…

Discusses research evidence for not including microcomputers in preschool environments; develops a theoretical base favoring computer use in early childhood that includes views of Papert, Piaget, Erikson, and competence development; and offers directions for software development through a review and description of successful microworld programs.…

The computer and its attendant software, in combination with cooperative learning principles, provide all students, regardless of English-language proficiency level, greater opportunities for peer communication than are available within the traditional classroom setting. (IAH)

The article examines various ways in which learning style differences impact on the ease with which individuals gain computer mastery. Specific programs which respond better or less well to selected cognitive styles are also cited. (Author/DB)

Single-subject studies conducted with 7 hearing-impaired students (aged 6-19) provided empirical support for determining the effectiveness of computerized versus noncomputerized instructional methods and the effectiveness of certain types of software. Drill and practice software helped students learn spelling and vocabulary, but a game-simulation…