The article reviews the literature on normal cognitive development and specific cognitive skills required for picture recognition in children 12 to 30 months old. Conclusions are drawn concerning appropriate presentation in designing software for a cognitively young population. (Author/DB)

Presents guidelines for evaluating computer trade books for children. Includes results for 47 books evaluated using the "Yawn index." (HTH)

Illustrates different types of opportunities for using computer assisted instruction (CAI) on personal computers in the teaching of economics with four examples of currently available software. Describes the difficulties in providing and supporting CAI, and concludes with an analysis of the difficulties caused by the "public goods character" of…

Describes a variety of computer software. Subjects reviewed include history simulations and wordprocessing programs. Some of the eleven packages reviewed are Thog, North Utilities, HBJ Writer, Textra, Pro-cite, and Simulation Construction Kit. (BSR)

This article describes the use of a microcomputer software/textbook package which provides for individualized assignments in an introductory statistics course. Advantages and limitations of these materials are summarized and student reactions to them are reported. (Author/JDH)

Describes factors involved in designing print support materials for computer-based instruction (CBI) or independent learning. Basic principles of effective instructional design based on principles promoted by Gagne and Briggs are discussed, and a format for organizing a course manual that was developed at Grant MacEwan Community College (Alberta)…

Reports a study in which a computerized-text system (CTS) was developed to facilitate students' question-asking during reading. Results suggest that third grade students' use of a CTS to read text and ask questions results in gains in reading performance. (JAD)

Examination of how teachers use computers in second-language instruction leads to the suggestion that designers need to take a wider view of the computer's role in language learning and more strongly consider the teacher's presence; and that teachers have to contribute more to computer-assisted language learning sessions, using their skills and…

The study evaluated the role of instructional design in the field test and revision process for a computer-assisted instructional program with 26 secondary resource room students. Scores significantly favored students receiving the revised program. (Author/DB)

Extensively reviews Hypercard, a multifaceted software package for the Macintosh. HyperCard uses a language called "hypertext" which was patterned after everyday language and designed to allow flexibility in the linking and manipulation of text, graphics, and sounds. Describes one use for Hypercard in an advanced course on Latin American…

Learning about the physical environment from computer simulation models is discussed in terms of three stages: exploration, experimentation, and calibration. Discusses the effective use of models and presents two computer simulations written in BBC BASIC, STORFLO (for catchment hydrology) and SLOPEK (for hillslope evolution). (Author/GEA)

Arbitrary, randomly-generated evaluative feedback given learners (such as "good,""great," or "fantastic") is pedagogically unsound. Programers of educational computer software should consider all the psychological effects of the evaluative feedback given in their programs. Programing alternatives that allow the…

Reviews the uses of DEMOS, a set of demographic computer simulations which can be used to improve instruction in introductory sociology courses. Gives examples of both interactive and noninteractive exercises, concluding that DEMOS is easy to use and enjoyable, with approximately 90 percent of students recommending its continued use. (GEA)

Investigators explored the potential of a computer-assisted mathematics diagnosis and remediation program to identify preservice teachers lacking minimum competency. Students who participated in remediation averaged a 21 percent increase in achievement regardless of the method of the course. (JOW)

Examines arguments both for and against using computer-assisted learning (CAL) techniques in the development of reading skills, covering the advantages of control, interaction, power, and versatility. CAL's disadvantages include affective demands, logistics, and methodological limitations. (Author/CB)