Suggestions for software design in computer managed testing (CMT) cover instructions to testees, their physical format, provision of practice items, and time limit information; test item presentation, physical format, discussion of task demands, review capabilities, and rate of presentation; pedagogically helpful utilities; typefonts; vocabulary;…

Outlines positive and negative features of the lecture method and the resource-based learning method, recounts a personal experience with the responsive lecture, and discusses its potential. (MBR)

INSTAN, a computer program designed to aid in appropriate media selection for classroom teaching, comprises three interrelated sections which focus on instructional objectives, the instructional environment, and instructional material selection. INSTAN is not described as an all-inclusive media selection model, but as a paradigm for further…

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 advantages and disadvantages of the lecture method as an instructional form; circumstances where lectures serve a useful purpose; the general lecture model, which includes an introduction, presentation, and summary; and three variations on this general model--interactive, demonstrational, and interactive demonstration lectures. (MBR)

Presents guidelines for determining when interactive courseware requiring single-keypress responses (multiple choice answers) and constructed responses (typed-in answers) are appropriate for use in the classroom. Research findings of studies concerned with these response types are briefly discussed, and needs for further research are outlined.…

Addresses the problem of making appropriate use of computers in educational settings by describing use of an electronic mail package in a support role for a bachelor's degree business course at Western Australia Institute of Technology. Students' and teachers' views on use of MAIL and its benefits are discussed. (MBR)

Discusses the focus group interview as an effective method of eliciting public opinions at three points in the media production process--concept development, script completion, and completion of rough cut. Interview characteristics, objectives, respondent characteristics, moderator role, physical arrangements, interview techniques, and data…

A brief review of shortcomings of commercially available computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs, is followed by a description of Wordsworth II, a sophisticated interactive CAI program written at Michigan Technological University for teaching English composition. Criteria met by each of the program's eight process-based modules are discussed…

Discusses results of a national survey of teachers and administrators at all grade levels to determine availability and use of audiovisual materials. Results indicate audiovisual material use seems stable between 1982 and 1983, probably due to large expenditures for microcomputers leaving less to spend on other categories of instructional…

Reviews possible sources of reinforcement in computer assisted instruction and systematic utilization of these sources in courseware design. Sources reviewed include reinforcement from the machine itself; from the content of the instructional modules and its arrangement in a learning sequence; and from sources external to the modules. (MBR)

Discusses questions of central importance to researchers interested in educational computing, namely long-range, cumulative effects of computer use; cumulative effects on cognition, emotion, and behavior; identification, conceptualization, and study of computers' capabilities carrying the most educational promise; transfer of learning; and…

Suggests conventional evaluation reports are inappropriate for what needs to be portrayed for software users concerned with acquisition, software adaptation, design and development, and teacher implementation decisions. Two forms for evaluating information are described and illustrated--a narrative portrayal form and a design and development…

Describes use of authoring systems--software packages which guide authors through the programming process, eliminating the need to know how to program--as a practical solution to the problem of teachers developing their own microcomputer courseware. Some representative authoring systems, their benefits and costs, and specific products are…

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…