Describes how students in a geoscience course are introduced to geographic information systems (GIS), a computer-assisted system for the acquisition, storage, analysis, and display of geographic data, through a practical experience involving collecting data and inputting it into a GIS program called IDRISI. (MKR)

A review of current elementary mathematics software found that 41.7% of the programs had main characters that were gender identifiable; of these, 12.5% were female. The female characters all represented traditional female roles. Recommends further research to determine the effects of gender bias on attitudes and achievement in instructional…

Relates one secondary geometry teacher's experiences learning and using the computer program "Geometer's Sketchpad." The article describes the program and provides examples of ways this teacher uses it in combination with more traditional teaching tools. (SM)

Describes experiences in mathematics with the Renaissance Project, a project designed in the United Kingdom to demonstrate the potential for interactive multimedia in higher education. Highlights include using HyperCard for mathematics software; courseware advantages; copyright; and courseware design issues, including navigation, examples, and…

A computer program dealing with numerous aspects of soil degradation has a target audience of high school and university students (16-20 year olds), and is presented in a series of cards grouped together as stacks. Describes use of the software in Australia. (LZ)

Describes a dedicated method for the design of multimedia courseware, called PROFIL, which integrates instructional design with software engineering techniques and incorporates media selection in the design methodology. The phases of development are outlined: preliminary investigation, definition, script, technical realization, implementation, and…

Reviews the DynaPulse 200M Education Edition microcomputer-based laboratory, which combines interactive software with curriculum and medical instrumentation to teach students about the cardiovascular system. (MKR)

Discusses the use of the Calculus & Mathematica materials, presents an objective assessment of student performance based on a uniform final exam, presents a summary of student perceptions drawn from responses to survey questions, and gives an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the courseware. (19 references) (Author/MKR)

Contends that, though much attention is given in mathematics to the problem of sensitizing people to the need for identifying elements of a situation and representing them symbolically, little or no effort is devoted to the problem of helping them express the relationships among these elements. (11 references) (MKR)

Discusses the use of interactive multimedia as an effective learning environment for adults with poor reading skills. Guidelines for designing basic skills and technical training multimedia programs are suggested, including simple computer navigation, the careful use of text, and appropriate audio and visual aids. (LRW)

Describes a study that was conducted to monitor the eye movement behaviors of microcomputer users working with an instructional game under varying color conditions. Eye movement is discussed; the computer software is explained; and implications of the results for further research and for courseware designers are suggested. (21 references) (LRW)

Discussion of learner control in instructional management describes six learner control methods: (1) content control; (2) sequence control; (3) pace control; (4) display or strategy control; (5) internal processing control; and (6) advisor strategies. Relevant literature, both theoretical and empirical, is reviewed, and learner control and…

Discussion of issues related to computer-assisted learning (CAL) and computer-based training (CBT) describes approaches to electronic learning; principles underlying courseware development to support these approaches; and a plan for creation of a CAL/CBT development center, including its functional role, campus services, staffing, and equipment…

Describes computer software intended to help students understand the factors that determine their risk of HIV infection (ZWH)

Discusses hypertext technology and its use in education. Topics addressed include creating hypertext for academic research; the value of collaborative authorship; navigation through a hypertext database; cognitive flexibility theory; future possibilities; and implications for teaching information science. (Contains six references.) (LRW)