A project was conducted to develop two evaluation designs for computer-assisted instructional (CAI) packages used in the remediation of basic skills in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs. Information was gathered from a literature review identifying principal factors and issues germane to the evaluation design; site visits, interviews,…

This paper argues that teachers and students should be creators as well as consumers of computer software, not only so that they might better appreciate the skills involved, but also to improve teacher effectiveness in the classroom. As part of their own class work, 13 second-year student teachers developed a branching program using simple basic…

Karl Marx's theory of stages can be applied to computer use in the schools. The first stage, the P Stage, comprises the entry of the computer into the school. Computer use at this stage is personal and tends to center around one personality. Social studies teachers are seldom among this select few. The second stage of computer use, the D Stage, is…

This investigation of the effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on the performance of elementary students in the area of language arts skills compared the performance of students receiving CAI with that of students receiving only regular classroom instruction. Two software programs were created for use in the study. Word Breaker, designed…

An examination of the value of using more sophisticated computer programs in the language arts program led to the design and development of "Thinking Networks," which provide the teacher with a new tool for teaching through nonverbal representation. Using microcomputers to improve reading and writing instruction can incorporate the…

This paper describes GUIDON-WATCH, a graphic interface that uses multiple windows and a mouse to allow a student to browse a knowledge base and view reasoning processes during diagnostic problem solving. The GUIDON project at Stanford University is investigating how knowledge-based systems can provide the basis for teaching programs, and this…

This courseware evaluation rates the "Safety Measures with Communicable Diseases" program developed by Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. (This program--not contained in this document--is designed to teach means of preventing the spread of communicable respiratory diseases and ways of protecting oneself.) Part A describes the program in…

This collection of essays focuses on various aspects of research and instruction related to developmental education. The collection includes: (1) "Evaluating Instructional Software for Developmental Education," by Curtis Miles, which includes information on types of microcomputer software, developmental student characteristics,…

Some special problems associated with evaluating intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) programs are addressed. This paper intends to describe alternative approaches to the assessment and improvement of such applications and to provide examples of efforts undertaken and shortfalls. Issues discussed stem chiefly from the technical demands…

Based on experience and research findings, this paper discusses the advantages of using an integrated computer based teaching unit consisting of a textbook, educational software, and applications software. It is suggested that the textbook should provide basic background material on the topic, the courseware should be used for simulation, and the…

A discussion of computer authoring systems examines the uses and limitations of authoring systems and describes a multifunctional system designed for computer-assisted language instruction and learning. The section on authoring systems in general looks at their evolution and at misunderstandings of their potential and capacity. The system…

This plan outlines the funding for activities of the Indiana Consortium for Computer and High Technology Education for the 1987-89 biennium. The consortium was created by the Indiana General Assembly in 1983 to promote effective use of technology in schools, evaluate educational computer use, provide training, and assist local schools in…

This courseware evaluation rates a set of 25 industrial education general software programs developed by the Iowa Department of Public Instruction. (These programs--not contained in this document--include measurement drill, fraction drill, loan and interest cost analysis, assault vehicle speeds, sun's rays, Ohm's law, concrete calculations, roof…

This analysis of the relationship between science education and technology over the past 15 years focuses on lessons learned from research on learning and instruction, the relationship between the teacher and technology, and the influence of technological advances on educational practice. Five conclusions are drawn: (1) courseware authoring…

A research program was undertaken to study the functional learning environment (FLE) in which computers operate, i.e., those environments in which learning activities have a function or purpose from the child's viewpoint. Results of three projects illustrate the importance of teachers in creating and interpreting children's learning environments.…