The editors have brought together 21 papers reflecting the current trends in research and development in computer assisted instruction (CAI). The papers were selected to be readable and of general interest to students without a background in CAI. The first four papers deal with the role of computers in education, now and in the future. Three…

Several on-goint activities were conducted during this quarter. Field trials of the Lincoln Training System-3 (LTS-3) at Keesler Air Force Base were extended to include high-aptitude students previously excluded. Results showed such students scored significantly higher on achievement tests and learned substantially faster when they received LTS…

An overview is given of the potential contribution of computerized information services to communities involved with common disciplines or common missions. The author first describes the knowledge workshop--an environment in which knowledge workers do their knowledge work--and then discusses the prototype of the community workshop which has been…

The elements of an instructional system are discussed and some literature bearing on these is reviewed. The discussion is intended to stimulate thought about an instructional system as a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) test-bed and to point out some noteworthy laboratory research results, particularly in cognitive psychology. Following this,…

Approximately 1800 prospective secondary school teachers at Illinois State University are providing themselves with pre-service education via a self-paced competency-based teacher education program. Called the Professional Sequence (PS), the program replaces courses taught by the lecture method. PS frees students from scheduled classes, eliminates…

This thesis describes the requirements for a buffer storage device, with respect to other system components and its own limitations, which is designed to aid in the economic transmission of processed data from a central computer to distant terminals. Proceeding from the fact that tariff rates on wide band educational television channels are…

Because of their enormous memory banks, computers can be of great help in planning curriculum and instruction. After a teacher has determined the subject and objectives of a course unit, computers can retrieve a list of resources appropriate to the particular subject matter and to the students (e.g., materials, activities, teaching procedures, and…

The system described in this report is designed for use as a computational tool that allows a linguist to develop and study methods for generating surface strings from an underlying semantic structure. Initial findings with regard to form-determiners (such as voice, form, tense, and mood), some rules for embedding sentences, and some attention to…

This compilation of commentaries underscores the belief that the essence of individualized instruction lies in the implementation of a variety of alternative structures activated by shared teaching roles. The remarks focus on several topics which include a description of a self-instructional course in Japanese, computer-assisted instruction in…

An attempt has been made to provide a concise but comprehensive guide to instructional media for instructors, students, and teachers. Topics covered include audio learning systems, overhead projection, opaque projection, slide and filmstrip projection, projection surfaces, chalkboards and markboards, graphics, models, duplicating, motion pictures,…

The ambiguities surrounding computer simulations in sociology teaching and research on the university level are described and the implications of computers as a teaching technique are explored. Intended as an explanation to sociology teachers and researchers of how students' learning experiences are shaped by their orientations to computer…

The review of the empirical literature on simulation gaming categorizes positive, negative, and contradictory aspects of gaming as an educational tool as revealed by the research. The review, which concentrates on simulation games for elementary and secondary school students, is presented in seven sections. Section I presents a brief history of…

Shows the advantages of using word processors in freshman composition classes that use the instructional technique of peer evaluation. Points out that the benefits are practical for both evaluators and composers, and suggests how to implement a computerized peer evaluation system. (SKC)

Describes an advice-giving computer system being developed for genetics education called MENDEL that is based on research in learning, genetics problem solving, and expert systems. The value of MENDEL as a design tool and the tutorial function are stressed. Hypothesis testing, graphics, and experiential learning are also discussed. (Author/LRW)

Addresses concerns related to how educational software can be designed to accommodate a constructivist approach to learning. Describes features of software which are consistent with a constructivist view and cites examples of physics materials which are appropriate. (ML)