The modern, miniaturized computer as in information processor has radically altered the logic of three commonplaces regarding computer-based learning: (1) that the machine exerts a dehumanizing effect on the educational process, (2) that computers are too expensive to prove cost-effective in education, and (3) that the computer's facility in…

Some basic concepts and types of computer assisted instruction (CAI) are presented, and their application in college and university settings is considered. CAI literature of the late 1960's--including descriptions of specific CAI systems together with studies of instructional effectiveness, learning time, and student attitudes--is then summarized.…

Computer assisted instruction (CAI) can achieve its potential as a tool for individualizing instruction only if the flexible logic and memory capabilities of computers are utilized. An instructional program must be written in such a way that it can handle at least three variables: (a) who is being taught; (b) what is critical; and (c) how the…

All aspects of a five-week field test of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) are reported. Sixteen students were involved; each averaged 3.5 sessions with the system. Results indicate that the most frequently accessed script was the Occupational Preference Script. Nearly half of the students (seven) accessed three data files,…

Describes activities of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in the United Kingdom related to ways that information technology may contribute to learning. Topics discussed include cognitive science; evaluation of changes in learning; language skills; learner-machine interface; policy and management issues; teacher education; computer…

The Information System for Vocational Decision (ISVD) approach to computer-managed information is explained. Drawing mainly from the experience of preparing datafiles of occupational and military information for the ISVD, the author supports and elaborates on a number of general statements: (1) data should be collected and presented specifically…

Updating information on various developmental efforts in computer-based training, this report provides information on new developments that may have implications for Navy training. Although projects in the military services are emphasized, major developments in the civilian sector are also reviewed. The range of activities emphasizes the use of…

This study examined the cause-effect interconnectivity of various mental models utilized by 10 American and Australian teachers and media specialists when involved in one-on-one teaching-learning episodes using electronic resources in the context of researching information for authentic school assignments. The researchers investigated runability…

This report describes and discusses the uses of CAI in the teaching of handwriting, reading, and concept formation to children with learning difficulties. Following an introductory discussion of learning disabilities and teaching techniques, a computer-assisted approach to the instruction of handwriting which employs a digitiser light pen and a…

Intended as an overview of the nature and use of computers in schools, this document describes the history and development of computers generally and of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) specifically. Included is information on several CAI systems currently in operation including (1) Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO),…

This study describes the various roles major interactive media can play in classroom education, including advantages, disadvantages, and evaluation of efficacy drawn from research. Selected authoring programs are reviewed, as are criteria for selecting authoring programs for use by teachers. The physical and instructional features of optical…

Brief communications on learning and instructional technology from various persons in the fields of education, communications, and government are brought together in the report by the Commission on Instructional Technology. Following these contributions, the Committee makes six recommendations. Two of these are that two new institutions be…

Educational computing based on the primacy of human agency is explored, considering ways in which power can be apportioned and exercised in order to enhance educational computing. Ideas about power and control are situated epistemologically. A first consideration is educating for human control of computer technology. Research suggests that…

A difficult task in creating rich, exploratory interactive learning environments is building an environment that is truly engaging. Engagement can be defined as the nexus of intrinsic knowledge and/or interest and external stimuli that promote the initial interest in, and continued use of a computer-based learning environment. Complete and total…

Two abstracts and seventeen articles on computer assisted instruction (CAI) presented at the 1976 Association for Educational Data Systems (AEDS) convention are included here. Four new computer programs are described: Author System for Education and Training (ASET); GNOSIS, a Swedish/English CAI package; Statistical Interactive Programming System…