Discusses the evaluation of educational software designed for use with microcomputers, and emphasizes the need for criteria based on learning theories rather than technological considerations. A review of the literature highlights teacher training in software selection and predictive evaluation, and 49 references are included. (Author/LRW)

Discusses intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), one application of artificial intelligence to computers used in education. Basic designs of ITSs are described; examples are given including PROUST, GREATERP, and the use of simulation with ITSs; protocol analysis is discussed; and 38 prototype ITSs are listed. (LRW)

This discussion of authoring systems focuses on modes of computer-assisted learning delivery and criteria for their selection. Topics discussed include industry's use of authoring systems, a systems approach to designing courseware, media selection, learning strategies, instructional events that comprise learning situations, and cognitive…

Examines the cognitive effects of learning to program versus programming as it is experienced in introductory classes. Research studies that have analyzed the cognitive demands of programming are reviewed and criticized, problems of transfer of programming skills are discussed, and 42 references are provided. (LRW)

Describes provisions for information technology in the National Curriculum for elementary and secondary students in England and Wales. Topics discussed include the current state of information technology in schools; teacher development; learning resources; local education authority (LEA) policies; equality of opportunity; learning processes; and…

Discusses the concept of intelligence and the extent to which it is present in intelligent tutoring systems and intelligent computer-assisted instruction. Topics discussed include courseware evaluation; artificial intelligence; the degree of learner control; knowledge acquisition; fault tolerance; and feedback and self-evaluation. (23 references)…

Discusses the use of new information technology in schools and reviews research on the psychology of learning and instruction. Highlights include a theory of expertise; individual differences in learning; the role of prior knowledge; social interaction and learning; transfer of cognitive skills; and designing computer-based learning environments.…

This discussion of educational technology and the role of computers is based on the author's experiences with the United Kingdom's National Development Programme in Computer Assisted Learning (NDPCAL). Highlights include curriculum development; teachers' roles; research and development; evaluation; control group experiments; instructional…

Examines the use of small-scale databases for introductory economic and social science statistics in higher education. The results of a research project at Portsmouth Polytechnic that used a specially written database are reported, the use of spreadsheets is discussed, and future considerations are suggested. (17 references) (LRW)

Discusses knowledge graphs, a new form of knowledge representation, and their possible uses in electronic study books. Topics addressed include graph structures; semantics; and representing knowledge from books, including browsing, information marking, annotations, group-based learning, information sequencing, information distribution, and…

Discussion of electronic study books focuses on individual learning styles. Highlights include turning electronic books into electronic study books; the management of information; book users and product adaptation; learner characteristics and the learning environment; learner motivation; learning strategies; and a Style Initiating Module, used to…

Discusses collaborative authoring, computer-supported collaborative work and the reuse of multimedia courseware; describes a consolidated model, Open Systems for the Collaborative Authoring and Reuse (OSCAR) of courseware, that was drawn from other abstract models; and examines hypermedia systems, object-oriented communication models, and the…

Discusses recent advances in cognitive theory and the design of computer-based instruction and suggests implications for the design of authoring tools and tutoring system shells. Highlights include the design of courseware; advanced organizers; knowledge representation; design evaluation; models of knowledge; models of errors; and models of…