A project was conducted to increase the use of microcomputers in basic adult education in Australia. The aims of the project were as follows: to establish an information network of practitioners working within Australia's Technical and Further Education (TAFE) system who have an interest in using computer-assisted learning in basic adult…

The Connecticut Special Education Network for Software Evaluation is intended to help special educators learn about effective software. The network has developed a software evaluation model and instrument which solicits both descriptive and evaluative information on special education courseware. A needs assessment performed in the state in 1983…

One successful model for instruction in English as a second language (ESL) takes its core texts from a single recurring publication or broadcast. The use of one periodical maximizes the opportunity to become familiar with the format, topics, and common story genres or scripts. Script theory, which views texts as answers to predictable questions…

A collection of papers gives ideas for exploitation of resources easily available to the language teacher. Although the papers apply specifically to French instruction, the ideas may be of interest to all language teachers. "Realia in the Classroom" (Norman Hill) concerns the contribution to language instruction of such materials as containers,…

The Alberta goverment has attempted to systematically address educational computing issues through programs of the provincial (K-12) education department (Alberta Education), which have included the development of computer literacy curricula for elementary, junior, and senior high schools; the Computer Technology Project (CTP); evaluation studies;…

A brief introduction states the purpose of and summarizes the five presentations made at a Southwest Educational Development Laboratory Regional Exchange (SEDL/RX) Project conference and notes that the SEDL/RX publication, "Evaluation of Educational Software: A Guide to Guides," was produced for use as a reference guide by participants…

This case study presents information on the actual cost of teachers' producing their own learning and instructional materials. The figures reflect the various elements that go into materials development and would need to be considered for similar undertakings. Descriptions of and average costs are given for 10 material development activities: (1)…

To help defuse censorship efforts, this booklet identifies issues and strategies for handling censorship efforts and provides the instructional materials selection policies of two Montana school districts. The booklet also includes sample forms for a citizen requesting reconsideration of materials and for a school media committee's reconsideration…

The survey reported here of 12,008 students in 93 undergraduate Open University courses was designed to assist in Open University audiovisual policy development and planning and to provide a data base for summative evaluation of audiovisual media use in individual courses. Emphasis was on the first aim, and detailed data were collected only for 17…

This review of the technical possibilities of audio, television, computing, and combination media addresses the main factors influencing decisions about each technology's suitability for distance teaching, including access, costs, symbolic representation, student control, teacher control, existing structures, learning skills to be developed, and…

The Texas Education Agency has developed this guide to assist members of local textbook committees who are responsible for studying and selecting textbooks and learning systems for use in Texas school districts. The State Board of Education has approved all the listed textbooks, but it does not recommend specific books. Rather, general criteria…

This guide is intended to assist vocational supervisors in expanding their knowledge of microcomputers and to provide resources to assist them in working with their faculty. Section I presents competencies deemed necessary for an administrator to use the computer as a tool in the conduct of his/her job. Section II focuses on planning for…

This booklet is the first of three sequels to "A Guide to the Selection of Instructional Methods." Following a brief introduction, a discussion of the most common methods used in mass instructional techniques deals with the strenghts and weaknesses of lectures and similar expository techniques, film and video presentations, educational broadcasts,…

The program of systematic evaluation of variables associated with visual learning was initiated in 1965 to investigate the impact of variables linked to effective, efficient use of instructional visual materials. A prototype experimental package, containing a specific unit of cognitive content, learner achievement objectives, four individual…

The persuasive effects of a message and personal uses for its content were examined with a user-based approach which considered individual cognitive involvement. The researchers sought to identify those communication and selection conditions in media treatments of specified subects most likely to have the desired effect on student attitudes. Using…