Outlines the Massachusetts and Virginia models for adult education courseware evaluation. Suggests ways to improve evaluation through state and regional resource centers and other collaborative efforts. (SK)

Discusses "Applied Economics," a high school economics program designed by Junior Achievement. Suggests that economics education should help students explore the current community and world experience through microeconomics and macroeconomics. Describes the program's effect at one school, and the simulations used to help students…

Describes two video discs for classroom use. Explains that the discs present collections of still images representing Western civilization and non-European world history. Suggests that the discs be used for individual student reports or in cooperative learning groups. Discusses hardware necessary for using the materials. (DK)

Defines courseware engineering (CE) and discusses how it differs from software engineering. Topics addressed include the goals of courseware engineering; a classification of tasks; costs; aspects of knowledge representation; the structure of knowledge in CE; processes in knowledge acquisition; and knowledge base validation. (Contains 48…

Describes "Hypercard," a computer application package usable in all three modes of instructional computing: tutor, tool, and tutee. Suggests using Hypercard in scholastic journalism programs to teach such topics as news, headlines, design, photography, and advertising. Argues that the ability to access, organize, manipulate, and comprehend…

Discusses recent advances in cognitive theory and the design of computer-based instruction and suggests implications for the design of authoring tools and tutoring system shells. Highlights include the design of courseware; advanced organizers; knowledge representation; design evaluation; models of knowledge; models of errors; and models of…

Although computer-based training for adults has some disadvantages, it is useful for individuation, cost effectiveness, and interactivity. Computer instruction for adults must be designed carefully, considering content organization, learner control, practice, feedback, reinforcement, and assessment. (SK)

This discussion of the use of computer-assisted instruction in universities focuses on the quality of motion video used in hypermedia educational software. An evaluation experiment shows that end-users are not deterred by lower quality motion video that costs less. (LRW)

Describes Design Builder, interactive multimedia software that was developed to enable undergraduate engineers to experience working in a concurrent environment without direct and specialized teaching-staff support, and to provide an interactive and intelligent simulation environment from which users may develop a culture that introduces…

Discusses constructivism and its integration of theory and practice, especially as it relates to online courses using interactive software. Highlights include situated-learning theory, cognitive-flexibility theory, and the design and implementation of two online courses. (LRW)

Introduces the Inventive Model, a constructivist approach to conceptual change, as a theoretical base for science instruction and for software development in science education. Highlights include the hesitancy of some school systems to implement computer-assisted science instruction, student misconceptions, and cognitive approaches to conceptual…

Describes the role of the instructional designer in working with professors to translate their traditional courses and favorite teaching techniques into an online format. Examples are from the World Campus program, which pairs instructional designers at various institutions (such as Pennsylvania State University) with faculty members. (DB)

Describes the genesis of the Libra authoring system and provides a detailed view of the design of a courseware program created by means of it. Lessons learned during the dissemination of the authoring system underscore the needs for more in-depth understanding of instructional design and the implementation of pedagogical principles by faculty…

Discusses the use of hypermedia-based information and communication technology (ICT) in education. Presents a case study of the use of ICT software at the University of Leicester for an economics course and highlights the importance of supporting ICT and non-ICT tools as well as the pivotal role of the instructor. (Author/LRW)

Describes the formative evaluation of a prototype, computerized, interactive learning and practice program for university students in theoretical computer science. Found the program to provide a rich learning environment. (EV)