Discusses the lack of versatility and availability of software for teaching second or foreign languages. Most software programs do not contain editing components; therefore, teachers are prevented from tailoring the software to their students' needs. Some solutions to this problem are outlined. (SED)

This discussion of five areas in which computer based training can have an impact on the instructional process focuses primarily on its use to model and test the decision making process through interactive simulations. A listing of computer based training courseware vendors and authoring systems is provided. (CLB)

Provides a partially annotated bibliography pertaining to the teaching of geology at the elementary school level. Included are general reference books, field guides, children's books, audio-visual materials, booklets, kits, maps, posters, computer courseware, and an index of geology-related articles appearing in past issues of "Ranger Rick"…

Describes a spreadsheet computer program which can be used with an Apple Macintosh computer to perform a multitude of calculations. Discusses two types of calculations taught in general chemistry. Demonstrates how to use the spreadsheet to calculate mass percent and the formula of a compound. (TW)

Describes the design and delivery of a college course for information system students utilizing a Computer-Aided Software Engineering program. Discusses class assignments, cooperative learning, student attitudes, and the advantages of using this software in the course. (CW)

Discusses how to examine and evaluate claims of improved academic performance in advertisements for computer-assisted instruction. Highlights include the proper use of comparison groups; types of statistical analyses; the Hawthorne effect; the interpretation of scores; interpreting graphic presentations; tests of significance; and cost…

The opening address from CALICO '87 in Monterey, California, compares the potential of computer-assisted language instruction (CALI) as claimed in the 70s to the realities of CALI now. Discusses the language proficiency levels best suited for applications of CALI as it now exists. Enumerates six challenges for CALI. (LMO)

Three elements to be considered in computer-assisted language instruction courseware design are: (1) environment; (2) visuals; and (3) timing. Computer-generated environments must be dynamic, flexible, challenging, and engaging. Visuals must be easily readable, uncluttered, consistently laid out. Program time should be balanced with real time.…

Describes a computer simulation game and database package, "Palestine in the First Century," developed for upper primary and secondary school religious education in Scotland and designed for use on a microcomputer with a printer. The effect of this type of software on the role of teachers and students is considered. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the evaluation of educational software designed for use with microcomputers, and emphasizes the need for criteria based on learning theories rather than technological considerations. A review of the literature highlights teacher training in software selection and predictive evaluation, and 49 references are included. (Author/LRW)

This discussion of advances in computers and information technologies focuses on the development and design of new educational software called cognition enhancers, which include empowering environments, hypermedia, and microworlds. The implications of this new technology for students and teachers and its impact on society is reviewed. (LRW)

Discusses the nature of interactive video, its educational use, evidence for its effectiveness, and the design of interactive video courseware. Use by the military and industry is also described, studies comparing video with other instructional methods are reviewed, and areas for further study are suggested. Ninety-four references are provided.…

Discusses text presentation in computer-based instruction and reviews research that has been done in this area. Topics discussed include length of text, amount of text presented at one time, rate of text presentation, color, text comprehension, text structure, reader comprehension, and new directions for computer-based text. (23 references) (LRW)

Describes study of fourth and fifth grade students which explained the effect of graphics on student motivation in a microcomputer-based spelling drill program. The role of feedback in instruction is discussed, the impact of graphics on computer software is described, and results are analyzed. (4 references) (LRW)

Proposes to modify the procedure proposed by Abelson and diSessa to produce a polygonal path with vertices that lie exactly on an ellipse. Provides a detailed proof. Implements a limiting process to produce the best possible approximation to any ellipse for any given screen resolution. (CW)