Discusses conflict between instructional potential of interactive videodiscs and interests of educational publishers and proposes a generic videodisc as a solution. Generic disc design preferences, equipment needed by teachers to program various learning options to adapt materials to local needs, and a list of videodisc authoring systems are…

Lists microcomputer-videodisc interfaces currently available from 26 sources, including home use systems connected through remote control jack and industrial/educational systems utilizing computer ports and new laser reflective and stylus technology. Information provided includes computer and videodisc type, language, authoring system, educational…

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…

Describes the strategies used by a technical writing teacher who encouraged a dyslexic university engineering student to use a microcomputer as an aid in composition writing, and discusses how a word processing program was used to make the writing process easier and increase the student's self-confidence. (MBR)

Discusses uses of tape recorder as an accommodative technique for mainstreamed learning disabled students in content-area classes to address some problems encountered by regular classroom teachers. Four major types of use discussed are taping lectures, textbooks and other reading assignments, and paraphrased material, and preparing lecture…

Dr. Allen discusses computer based instruction, today's educational software, qualifications for software designers and the importance of the author in the purchaser's view, courseware authoring tools and subject matter, interactive videodiscs, predictions on future hardware characteristics and capabilities, and the microcomputer as a catalyst for…

Examines advantages of using videogame format for training, including practicality, relatively inexpensive hardware, ability to use multi-purpose software modules, motivational advantages of increased student interest and instructional effectiveness, and instructional features such as the adaptive interactive nature of videogames. An example of a…

Describes the computer-oriented information age, skills workers will need to keep pace, and how information technologies (microcomputers, communications satellites, and cable systems) can be utilized to support effective higher education. Obstacles to information technology use in education and how schools fail learners if technology is not…

Questions the effects of training on the confidence people have in their ability to perform newly-learned tasks. Factors that affect confidence and measurement of confidence are discussed, and examples are given of ways in which training might intentionally try to increase confidence. (MBR)

Discusses the botanical, animal, clothing, and genealogy metaphors and personification present in terminology which describes the computer and its functions, and asserts that computers are becoming so personified there is little difference between terms associated with humans and computers. It is also suggested that programmers are becoming less…

Defines copyright, and discusses what a copyright protects, the five basic rights of a copyright owner, and the rights of the software program owner. Also discussed are other forms of educational software protection including trademarks, trade secrets and patents, and software usage, copy protection, and possible future developments. (MBR)

Indicates the major areas of decision making for computer utilization by school districts are administrative information and instructional management, and suggests districts formulate a master plan to identify their information needs in these areas. Specific computer applications discussed include information reporting and several instructional…

Discusses educational uses, types, operation, advantages, popular features, and subscription rates of electronic communication networks. Factors to consider when choosing a network are described, and a table listing networks designed for educators includes information on the network producer, target audience, features, subscription rates, and…

Discusses problems of centralization versus decentralization, tradition versus modernization, teacher status, administrative burdens, and educational objectives in relation to the use of educational technology in the Arab world, and suggests some possible remedies. (MBR)

The emerging technologies potential has not altered teaching methods in higher education because of such factors as prohibitive cost and faculty resistance to change, but these are symptomatic of more pervasive organizational attributes and educational system dynamics, including student influences, faculty incentive structure, lack of leadership,…