Illustrates some of the practical issues and problems connected with the design and use of computerized business games by describing three games which have been developed and operated by staff at Leeds Polytechnic Department of Business Management (United Kingdom). Sample input and output forms are included. (nine references) (LRW)

The purpose of this developmental study was to use the theory of reasoned action to construct a message to persuade elementary teachers to teach energy conservation practices to children. The six steps followed in the project are discussed. An energy conservation persuasive message and the results of the validation are provided. (YP)

Three articles discuss the development, availability, uses, and future of authoring systems. An overview of 74 authoring software packages is provided that includes vendors and costs; Crowell describes the development of interactive software, including programing and authoring languages; and Bork describes tools for developing technology-based…

Describes the design and development of an instructional game, GEO, in which the user learns elements of Canadian geography. The use of knowledge-based artificial intelligence techniques is discussed, the use of HyperCard in the design of GEO is explained, and future directions are suggested. (15 references) (Author/LRW)

Describes English teaching in China, covering course materials, teaching activities, and students' reactions, and noting an upsurge of interest in English for science and technology (EST). A proposed reform argues for a shift from General English to EST and offers suggestions for preparing course materials, teacher training, and learner testing.…

Describes a systematic method for producing pictures to accompany textual instructional materials. The resulting instructional design model is then used in an attribute by treatment interaction study of post-secondary school students that was designed to investigate the role of analogical pictures in adult learners' acquisition of higher level…

Discusses individual perceptional modality preferences, including verbalization versus visualization, reading versus listening, and audio versus video. Literature on perception and on mental representation and learning styles is reviewed, and theoretical and practical implications for instructional materials design are suggested, including the use…

Discussion of the time needed to create computer-based instruction focuses on descriptive analyses of production data gathered from novice instructional designers and novice authors who used a commercial authoring system to produce computer-based lessons. Production ratios are explained, and future research plans are discussed. (Contains five…

Describes a linear, self-paced approach that uses interactive video to teach introductory science courses to community college nonscience majors. The discussion covers learning modules, materials, hardware, software, teacher role, advantages, disadvantages, results, cost effectiveness, and equipment costs. Sources for videodiscs and software are…

At an archaeology camp program for gifted youngsters, students ages 11-16 built a mound with 5 archaeological levels, for future exploration. The "fake" mound ensured that student interest would be maintained, that students would learn about special problems and situations, and that irreplaceable bits of prehistory would not risk being damaged.…

The Higher Education Information System (HIS) is Germany's publicly financed service institution serving higher education. One of its functions is to act as a clearinghouse for computer software for higher education. The evolution, role and mission, founding principles, and services of HIS in this capacity are explained. (Author/MSE)

Examines the role of students in the formative evaluation of instructional materials and reviews research on criteria for selecting students for the evaluation process. Studies that investigated the following criteria are described: (1) level of verbalization; (2) aptitude; and (3) cognitive styles field-dependent and field-independent. (18…

Discusses procedures for the analysis of instructional strategies incorporated into distance learning materials, especially with regard to the development of higher order cognitive ability (i.e., critical thinking). Three approaches to task analysis are examined, including the learning hierarchy model, the concept hierarchy, and the information…

Describes the processes followed during the international coproduction of a series of short videos called "Protecting Our Planet" that was developed by the National Film Board of Canada to encourage environmental responsibility among 8 to 12 year olds. Production guidelines are explained, including objectives and desired learning…

Problems that language teachers face in conducting English classes using computers are discussed. Based on case studies carried out in Malaysia, suggestions are offered on matters to include in teacher training. (four references) (Author/LB)