Article calls attention to some of the non-pedagogical and non-technical concerns which should be taken into account when planning the development of computer based instructional systems. (Author)

This paper considers applications of decision theory to the problem of instructional decision-making in computer-based adaptive instructional systems, using the Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System (MAIS) as an example. The first section indicates how the problem of selecting the appropriate amount of instruction in MAIS can be situated within…

This guide contains a list of commercially available microcomputer software programs for instructional use in preschool through grade 12 that has been favorably reviewed by the Educational Software Evaluation Consortium, which represents 29 organizations involved in computer education throughout North America. Only commercially available software…

The number of educational software packages on today's market is growing steadily. A large percentage of them are found to be of poor quality in terms of instructional and/or technical design. Arguing that a microcomputer in the classroom is only as effective as the software used with it, the first part of this digest provides an overview of the…

This review of the literature on five learner control variables in computer-based instruction concludes that: (1) pacing left to learner control has been found ineffective because learners tend to procrastinate or to exit lessons prematurely; (2) sequence, or content flow, has been an ineffective variable left under learner control since…

One of the most perplexing tasks in producing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is the authoring process. Authoring is generally defined as the process of turning the flowcharts, control algorithms, format sheets, and other documentation of a CAI program's design into computer code that will operationalize the simulation on the delivery system.…

The paper describes an approach to teaching phonics to hearing impaired 12-15 year olds through a microcomputer. Under the guidance of a teacher, a standard phonics textbook is paired with phonetic and phonologic practice on the computer. Students proceed through the materials at their own pace. Three phases of learning are featured: (1) exposure…

This paper shows how questions and answers written on a word processor can be used with a short BASIC program to present computer material which is self-correcting and self-scoring. This procedure provides a way for teachers who have little or no knowledge of computers to prepare instructional programs for students. The process for creating the…

This guide lists favorably reviewed microcomputer software for K-12 student instruction. It is not intended for use as a buying guide, but as an aid to educators in locating commercially available software they may want to preview to determine its suitability for their instructional program and students. Each annual edition of this guide is an…

This document consists of 80 microcomputer software package evaluations prepared by the MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers) Clearinghouse at the Northwest Regional Education Laboratory. Set 15 consists of 27 packages; set 16 consists of 53 packages. Each software review lists producer, time and place of evaluation,…

This publication is a collection of eight articles and ten software reviews written by the author for "Micro Missive" since 1984. "Micro Missive" is a quarterly newsletter that has regularly informed International Reading Association members of new developments in computer-based instruction and reading/language arts through articles, software…

Intended to help special educators select software appropriate for their classroom use, the directory contains evalutions of about 300 instructional software packages. An index lists titles by computer type and the following subject areas: computer literacy, critical thinking, grammar, life skills, literature, math computation, math problem…

Microcomputer modules were developed to help Pennsylvania State University students and inservice teachers develop 10 generic competencies regarding working with handicapped students in the least restrictive environment. Competencies touch on understanding the legal bases for education in the least restrictive environment, making use of…

Use of microcomputers in a state residential facility for nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded persons is discussed. The effects of such a severe handicap on the residents is examined, and potential contributions of a microcomputer in providing precise contingency control, recording response data, and delivering immediate reinforcement…