Reviews important developments of Microsoft's first international conference on CD ROM, focusing on the announcement of a new medium called Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I). Discussion covers CD-I's design, applications, kinds of programming made possible compatibility with current CD ROM products, impact on consumer market, and impact on overall…

Describes a study of second, third, and fourth grade children in Israel to determine if computer assisted instruction is utilized differently by different groups of students (younger and older), and extent to which effort expenditure (total amount of time a child is engaged at the computer) is related to achievement. (MBR)

This overview of computer based education (CBE) in China mentions pioneering work before describing recent activities in university-based research and development and the expansion of CBE into primary and secondary education. Developments in authoring and word processing systems in Chinese characters and problems to be faced are also discussed.…

Presents a classification system of four microcomputer simulation types developed to evaluate their instructional processes: structured questions and graphics, variable-assignment exercises, diagnostic simulations, and group-interactive simulations. How this taxonomy contributes to three tasks associated with classroom use of software is…

Presents a comparative analysis of Kaufman's and Nadler's work design models by examining each model's rational content and comparing the distinctive images of procedure that those contents project. Kaufman's insistent claim that his organizational elements model merits distinctive recognition as the definitive explication of the system approach…

Discusses how the Coalition for the High School of the Future (Northeast Ohio) aroused interest in its proposals for educational reform via a video designed to communicate recommendations, publicize the project, and motivate prospective participants. Results of a survey to determine impact of the video on the project are presented. (MBR)

Proposes an instructional design model which bridges the gap between the cognitive psychology and instructional design field. The model predicts when learning of task components will occur and suggests which components of a task should receive training. The proposed decomposition model guides task analysis when designing instruction of…

Computer-based instruction seems to improve learning process when rules of effective instruction are followed. Rewards include reinforcement from use of machine itself; content being taught; student's control of program; and external sources of support. Of these outside sources, the most important is probably the peer group. (MBR)

Describes a systematic model for determining equipment replacement budgets that can be adopted and used in any media center. This model uses a microcomputer spreadsheet program to provide figures for annual equipment replacement automatically. The design and benefits of the system are discussed. (MBR)

Describes a research study on the effects of word processing use in teaching writing to four fifth-grade boys in a special education program, and reviews other studies on word processing use with learning disabled students. It was concluded that word processing offers great promise to the special needs student. (MBR)

Describes a field study in which female students at a teacher-training college in Israel who completed two computer based Jewish studies courses revealed their attitudes toward computerized learning, toward computer assisted instruction programming elements, and toward special elements in the programs. Results indicate positive student attitudes.…

Discusses a theory-based design strategy for concept learning that may be used with computer-based instruction on almost any delivery system. The computerized Rational Set Generator (RSG) is conceived to be a template that adapts to students' needs in ways that are supported both by learning theory and empirical findings. (MBR)

This analysis of the evaluation literature on interactive video describes nature of the evaluations, reviews information on the effectiveness of interactive video, and discusses what the evaluations offer for improvement of interactive video design and use. Implications of these evaluations for the conduct of future studies are noted. (MBR)

Reviews relevant features for interactive video images of the four primary technologies that merge to intertwine themselves in interactive video (computers, television, instructional design, visual design); outlines critical structural elements of interactive video; and presents guidelines for creating interactive video images. (MBR)

Defines local area networks (LANs); describes basic components and configurations of LANs; and discusses LANs benefits (reduced costs, better management of computer resources, enhanced communications) and pitfalls (hidden costs, time delays, network maintenance, lack of standardization, network security breaches, lack of network compatible…