To determine whether online training courses are effective, companies should evaluate training software when considering its purchase or development. Author describes the development and use of an instrument for evaluating online courses created by AT&T's Network Operations Education and Training organization. Also includes the On-Line Training…

Discusses the need for instructional designers, trainers, and educators to have cultural sensitivity, or a cross-cultural perspective/awareness. Considers learning environment, classroom rituals, intelligence assessment instruments, cultural background, teacher-student relationship, nonverbal behavior, discipline, locus of control, rewards, and…

To determine how the Internet is being used in education, researchers surveyed newsgroup participants. Questions concerned demographics and usage. Responses totaled 147. Results indicate that there is a solid foundation of users who are optimistic about the future despite hardware and software problems and concerns about offensive material. Seven…

Discusses design and evaluation issues relating to computer managed instruction (CMI). Major functions described include establishing identification database, processing performance data, report formulation, and utility functions. Evaluation issues discussed include customized versus generic CMI, user-friendliness, documentation, data entry…

An evaluation form used at Ashland College (Ohio) for critical evaluation of educational software is presented. The form covers basic product information, program content, educational appropriateness, organizational and technical components, teacher's manual, and product revision. (MBR)

Briefly discusses no-plan approach and linear approach to school district computer involvement and suggests contingency planning approach is better. Components of this approach--conducting situation audit of internal and external environments, generating within-district support, formulating district-wide policies, and developing an ongoing…

Discusses steps educators should work through when reviewing educational software, e.g., role playing intended users, analyzing instructional approach, identifying inaccuracies, using software and giving incorrect responses to see how software responds, and assessing the software's human values criteria. An educational software review form is…

Describes the general principles of a nonexperimental learning theory-based courseware evaluation which calls attention to instructional sequences in the courseware to determine if the sequence is programed around learning principles. The results of using this type of evaluation for two computerized training devices are summarized. (MBR)

Describes a study that examined the similarities and differences in computer related attitudes between sixth grade boys and girls of different mathematics achievement levels. Students' responses to questions about self-confidence in their computer abilities, the utility of computers, and general attitudes toward computers are reported and…

Describes the problem of non-use of classroom computers in an elementary school mathematics laboratory, and the use of a needs assessment survey and principles of instructional systems design to solve the problem. (19 references) (CLB)

Describes a methodology for student involvement in courseware evaluation and for utilizing student reactions in purchasing and implementation decisions. The evaluation forms used in a survey of 2,308 Indiana students are presented, and the results of that survey are discussed. (18 references) (CLB)

Discusses the importance of student attitudes as a factor in the successful implementation of computer-assisted instruction at the college level. A study that examined student attitudes and achievement when working with computer-assisted instruction in a personalized system of instruction is described. (36 references) (CLB)

An instrument for analyzing curriculum materials based on the constructs of opportunity, motivation, structure, and instructional events, is presented. A series of questions designed to guide the evaluator through the process are offered and a selection chart for instructional products is included. (RAO)

Presents an evaluation model representative of specific programmatic components and based on issues of attitude change or personal development, process change or instructional development, and structural change or organizational development, for use in administrative and teacher appraisal. (RAO)

An evaluation instrument for assessing media specialists is presented. Three categories used in the instrument are: media competencies, professional competencies, and personal characteristics. (RAO)