A discussion of the loss and maintenance of second language skills beyond the formal education process provides information about skill loss and a variety of strategies and suggestions for language skill maintenance. The book begins with an overview of the subject of language loss and maintenance (Jean Berko Gleason and Barbara Alexander Pan),…

This study defined a type of information-processing task analysis and an index relating different instructional sequences to this analysis. One hundred sixty-four college students were taught, with computer-assisted instruction, an imaginary science by various instructional sequences or by selecting their own sequence. A program-controlled…

Student control of computer-assisted instruction has a number of pragmatic advantages due to difficulties in providing a general program which is truly individualized. The attempt here has been to define and describe the commands which could be modified to provide learner control in any computer-assisted instruction course. Some of the commands…

A pharmacy doctoral program's independent-study component in pathophysiology, supported by computer-assisted instruction and self-evaluation, has the advantages of self-pacing, reduced faculty time commitment, and increased ability to work effectively with physicians. Disadvantages include student feeling of isolation, imbalanced content, and…

This paper presents two decisive factors for Web-based training (WBT) software in the context of E-education. The report focuses on offline education, as real time communication (except chats) is not yet sufficiently reliable due to low bandwidth Internet access in most European rural areas. One of the main advantages of WBT software is being able…

Since its inception in India in 1962, distance education has grown in popularity. The Distance Education Council (DEC) directs distance learning within India's higher education system. The DEC's promotion, coordination, and maintenance of standards for distance education are its three major roles. Its initiatives include grants, support for…

Experiences with a combined computer-assisted and computer-managed pharmacology course that allows both scheduled and individual pacing are described. Students with low aptitudes achieved significantly higher scores on the pharmacology portion of a national medical examination after participation. (Author/MSE)

This study compared three instructional strategies for teaching music intervals to beginning music majors: programed instruction using a linear programed text; mastery learning using computer-assisted instruction (CAI); and self-practice using a textbook. Subjects were tested on immediate and delayed (48 hour) retention. Mastery learning by CAI…

Discusses using individualized distance learning classes via the Internet to meet the needs of gifted children in elementary and middle schools. Addresses the proven effectiveness of Internet instruction and the need for professional educators to develop courses in collaboration with exceptional programmers. (CR)

Describes the use of interactive video (IV) in initial teacher training in the United Kingdom. Learner control is discussed, and five types of IV use are highlighted: (1) as a presentation system; (2) for independent student learning; (3) as a resource for students on teaching practice; (4) as an information source; and (5) as a surrogate tutor.…

Considers three main components of self-directed learning: (1) topic knowledge; (2) procedural skills; and (3) self-monitoring. The role of computer-assisted instruction in autonomous learning is discussed, software that fosters independent problem solving is reviewed, and it is recommended that computers be incorporated in courses emphasizing…

Argues that provision enhancements for autonomous language learning must be accompanied by improvements in the accessibility of information, an upgrade entailing the use of a database system to catalogue resources. The article presents the case for upgrading and computerizing resource catalogues, describes its implementation at a university, and…

Examined whether students' motivational reaction toward self-study text could be influenced by the inclusion of additional instructional materials (nonprint media). Participants were 969 students enrolled in an independent study course. Results suggest that student motivation in print-based self-study courses can be improved by the inclusion of…

Assessed use of server statistics to evaluate utilization of web-based computer assisted instruction (CAI) in the undergraduate medical curriculum. No correlation was found between students' computer literacy at matriculation and subsequent levels of CAI use. Utilization of CAI developed for specific course objectives coincided closely with course…

The design of computer materials for self-directed language learning is discussed from two points of view: (1) adaptability or flexibility of computer materials; and (2) the potential and limitations of computer-assisted instruction for enhancing autonomous learning. Important considerations in designing flexible materials through careful…