Describes how the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. State Department has used the Xerox STAR Multilingual computer/word processing system to produce innovative language study materials for 40 different languages in a timely and cost-effective manner. (SED)

Although three curriculum-delivery systems which use terminals to download curriculum software from a super microcomputer offer advantages of individualized instruction over several grade levels with individual student progress reports and updated software, the expense of the initial installation makes it difficult for them to compete with…

Discusses computer editing and describes the capacities and features of an integrated software package, Writer's Workbench. Suggests ways in which this program can be used to improve writing skills. Reviews the effects of this program on technical users, college students, and high school students. (ML)

Reviews the use of microcomputers by students and faculty at Reed College, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon, Drexel University, and Brown University. Types of computers provided and software developed on each campus are described, and a business developed to promote the distribution of software between colleges--the Academic Courseware…

Discusses and compares advantages and disadvantages of large and small computer-based instructional systems. Predicted and actual costs in two systems--PLATO, which uses a mainframe system, and VITAL, a microcomputer-based system--are analyzed, and cost comparisons are made based on class size. (LRW)

Suggests that insights from other disciplines be considered when evaluating computer-assisted language instruction materials. Issues which need to be considered when evaluating these materials include: design issues, user-machine interfacing, support documentation, screen layout, color and animation, and restricted visual display capacity. (SED)

Describes curriculum development aimed at increasing quantitative skills or demonstrating relevance of technological tools to studies in humanities. Included are simulations, research design, measurement, analytical techniques, computer software development, and a new laboratory course in social sciences. Also describes attempts to focus on…

Reviews some current topics related to computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in English as a foreign language in Japan. The achievements of the Tokai English Language Program-CAI project are discussed and the latest system, the Tokai English Language Program-III, is described.

Argues that a framework is needed for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) which would provide criteria for decisions about priorities and emphases. A comparison of two different types of CALL programs is made for the insights they may offer into developmental principles. (SED)

Describes a specialized authoring system known as a template, which usually targets only one subject and one format at a time. A template called DICTATE, which allows teachers to use the dictation format to practice auditory discrimination, aural comprehension, and orthography is discussed in detail. (SED)

Outlines the steps taken in developing and using computer-based instruction with interactive videodisc material in a language class. The goal of this particular project was to develop a series of listening comprehension activities in Spanish using 30 minutes of Level 2 Interagency Language Roundtable videodisc material. (Author/SED)

Identifies an instructional design model that faculty can use to author computer assisted instruction courseware, discusses computers as mediums of instruction, and adapts an instructional design model for computer use as an example of computer assisted instruction courseware development. The model includes guidelines on style, sequence,…

Argues that the computer will make a major difference because it places within one total environment that teaches (the school) another total environment that teaches (the computer). A hopeful sign is the growing number of educational computer programs that use the computer effectively as a mind-tool rather than an instructional medium. (BBM)

Suggests five-step process for teachers and media specialists to determine which microcomputer courseware will be of value: (1) make chart of important characteristics; (2) use vendor catalogs and reviews to locate titles addressing unit objectives; (3) obtain courseware for preview; (4) preview; (5) compare notes. An 18-item bibliography is…

Provides critiques, price lists, and computer requirements for selected population education software programs. Reviewed programs include: Demo-graphics; Malthus; Coexist; Rice Farming; Popgro; Manrgy; Population Growth; and Simpolicon. Addresses of the distributors are also provided. (ML)