The most important function of reinforcement in computer assisted instruction is a motivational one, providing students with a reason for learning. Discusses primary, secondary, and generalized reinforcers and four factors influencing the effectiveness of reinforcers (timing, appropriateness, relevancy, and configuration). (JN)

It is necessary for those who are developing and/or evaluating software for purchase to carefully consider its educational compatibility, instructional design adequacy, and technical adequacy. Specific factors are examined as they relate to the development and/or evaluation of educational microcomputer software for handicapped learners. (Author)

The learning center is a cost-effective and popular way to introduce hearing impaired students and their teachers to microcomputers. (A brief listing of software companies and computer periodicals is included.) The use of the Apple microcomputer in a learning center in a school for the deaf is discussed. (CL)

The Deafsign Project began as a microcomputer approach using screen graphics to visually depict the handsigns of the alphabet and evolved into signs used for words and phrases. The program features drills on the alphabet and word use and includes a graded test. (CL)

A literature review indicates that computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in higher education can be both instructionally effective and cost effective. However, faculty members are reluctant to use new instructional technologies like CAI, as Florida Atlantic University's failure to implement television instruction shows. Strategies are suggested for…

Presents an overview of advances in technology-based learning aids and how they can affect training. It discusses five modes of computer-aided instruction applications, creating your own programs, and four types of learner responses to anticipate. (CT)

A software package designed for touch-typing instruction is reviewed, focusing on features, educational value, design quality, written materials, and ease of use. (MP)

Describes computer assisted instruction in social history to teach college students to use the resources and methods of the quantitative historian. Using commercially available prepared data sets, students analyze empirical data such as parish records, census data, and other civil records on the European family. (RM)

Distinguishes between computer assisted instruction and computer managed instruction and relates some of their applications to the reading classroom. (FL)

This experiment tested the hypothesis that the Teaching Information Processing System (TIPS) could improve student learning. Students in six psychology classes were required to use TIPS. In other classes, students could earn extra credit for using it. Posttests indicated that students required to use TIPS scored significantly higher than casual…

Describes a CAI package intended to help teachers achieve facility with questioning techniques. The instructional package consists of an interactive computer simulation which diagnoses teachers' questioning problems, six interactive computer tutorials that treat specific questioning problems, and a computer-based post-test simulation designed to…

Looks at four current issues in the computers-in-education debate: Is the computer a tool or a new subject? Is computer-assisted instruction an appropriate use of computers? Should computer literacy be taught and, if so, what should be taught and by whom? What equipment should be purchased? (SJL)

Investigates the impact of a brief computer assisted instruction (CAI) experience on the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of high school students. A 20-30 minute science lesson on water pollution was administered to 350 students by Apple II microcomputers. Twenty references are listed. (FM)

Studied the performance of the U.S. Navy trainees on three computer-based lessons under programed control in order to determine whether variations in the sequence of instructional presentation improved learning. Sixteen references are cited. (FM)

Reports a study to determine the relationship between computer assisted aural drill time and achievement in musical interval identification, to determine the effect of computer assisted aural drill on attitude toward the study of aural music theory, and to determine the effect of previous keyboard experience on achievement. (RAO)