Introduces items in the typical electronic delivery toolkit (computer software packages that facilitate electronic course delivery). Offers suggestions on how best to take advantage of the tools to enhance the "outside the classroom" environment, or those learning materials and experiences accessible to students via the computer and…

Discusses quality assurance for Web-based courses, based on experiences at the University of Pretoria. Topics include evaluation of courseware; the concept of quality, including quality control, quality assurance, and total quality management; implementing a quality management system; measurement techniques; and partnerships. (LRW)

Defines social and instructional interaction and outlines key elements influencing the design of adaptive computer-mediated learning. Discusses options for the design of interactivity: Web-based, groupware, programming tools, and hybrid course design programs; proposes a graphical model for choosing design tools balancing interactivity and…

Describes a software system that allows teachers and students in practically any subject to make interactive expert systems of quizzes on the Internet. Discusses the design of the system, including building a database of questions and answers; integrating text files of questions and answers with JavaScript-HTML pages; and the JavaScript and HTML…

Discusses gender discrepancy in classroom computer access and use; suggests strategies to minimize gender biases. Argues that gender differences in computer usage are due to biased classroom practices, lack of female role models, home computer gender gaps, and scarcity of bias-free software. Maintains that increased teacher/parent awareness,…

Presents an innovative methodology for evaluating strategic goals in a public agency. The method involves computer content analysis of online news media text to evaluate expressed attitudes. Provides a way to assess the views of a wide range of stakeholders quickly and efficiently. (SLD)

Presents an overview of a suite of software tools called "Of Course!" that was created for the design and development of interactive multimedia instructional (IMI) programs. Describes the tool's three built-in quality assurance operating modes; the Event Status buttons that handle the quality assurance feature; and the design and…

Discusses Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), a method through which technology administrators may understand and manage all costs of technology-related purchases. Describes six categories of costs to consider during the planning process: professional development; support; software; replacement costs; retrofitting; and connectivity. (AEF)

Reviews the Earobics program, an auditory development and phonics software program designed to provide auditory processing and phonemic awareness training. The conceptual framework motivating the software development is assessed though an analysis of the six games of the program. Strengths and limitations of the program are discussed. (CR)

This issue focuses on the theme of "Energy," and describes several educational resources (Web sites, CD-ROMs and software, videos, books, activities, and other resources). Sidebars offer features on alternative energy, animal energy, internal combustion engines, and energy from food. Subthemes include harnessing energy, human energy, and…

Discusses the design and use of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) for computerized business simulations. Reviews the use of ITS as an instructional technology; presents a model for ITS-based business simulations; examines the user interface and link between the ITS and simulation; and recommends expert-consultant diagnostic testing, and…

Reports on a usability evaluation of the wide area networked database used in the library system of the City University of New York (CUNY). Describes use of the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI) criteria in student surveys and interviews that considered affect, efficiency, learnability, control, and helpfulness. Survey is appended.…

Discussion of information technology training focuses on an evaluative study at the Department of Defense that investigated whether new information technology training could improve job performance. Highlights include determining training effectiveness; job transfer evaluation; return on investment; use of software features; and the impact of…

Describes a usability study conducted with health sciences students at the University of Washington that explored interface issues in the GramStain Tutor, an educational software program on CD-ROM, particularly the navigation of the program and the use of embedded design features. (LRW)

Describes five issues that should be addressed simultaneously when using technology-enhanced instruction in the classroom: infrastructure and hardware, software, professional development, maintenance, and long-term support. Three sidebars focus on: ways to get started using technology in the classroom, tips from the trenches (how not to reinvent…