Discussion of courseware for use with microcomputers focuses on criteria for selecting the appropriate authoring tool. Criteria are specified from the perspective of: (1) the content specialist or instructor; (2) the instructional designer or analyst; (3) the programer; and (4) the administrator of the instructional software. (42 references) (LRW)

Describes the Bangkok Project, a successful application of electronic mail and computer conferencing networks to support professional development in the field of distance education. The development of the computer conference to supplement a face-to-face conference in Bangkok is explained, and conference format and nature of interactions are…

Discusses the use of computers in education, including their limitations and their strengths. Highlights include the Internet; teacher-student relationships; human interaction; the use of computers in research; their effect on labor productivity; and computers as accessories to the instructional process. (LRW)

Reviews literature in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) as it applies to educational environments. Topics include the origin of HCI; human factors; usability; computer interface design; goals, operations, methods, and selection (GOMS) models; command language versus direct manipulation; hypertext; visual perception; interface…

Interacting cognitive subsystems (ICS) is proposed as a unified cognitive theory that can be used as the basis for representations in human-computer interaction, and two approaches based on the theory are described: one entails the description of cognitive task models, and the other entails the production of less complete diagrammatic notations.…

Enhancing Learning Through Human Computer Interaction is an excellent reference source for human computer interaction (HCI) applications and designs. This "Premier Reference Source" provides a complete analysis of online business training programs and e-learning in the higher education sector. It describes a range of positive outcomes for linking…

Two studies examined interactive cable technology as a potentially useful means of providing adult and continuing education outside conventional institutions. One set of experiments on the interactive cable system located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, was aimed at adults who had not completed their high school education; the other study, which…

A research project built an author-controlled computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system to study ease-of-use factors in student-system, author-system, and programer-system interfaces. Interfaces were designed and observed in use and systematically revised. Development of course material by authors, use by students, and administrative tasks were…

A computer-assisted instruction (CAI) project designed a system to teach the elementary properties of statistical distributions in a probability course. It was used to reinforce teacher material with graphic displays and to provide laboratory exercises, the objectives being to promote easier grasp and retention of subject matter. The system…

Explores what an intelligent information retrieval system involves and why expert system techniques might interest system designers. Expert systems research is reviewed with emphasis on components, architecture, and computer interaction, and it is concluded that information retrieval is not an ideal problem domain for expert system application at…

Examines relationships between the two major components of computer simulations, the computer and participants; highlights major differences between computer-assisted, computer-based, and computer-controlled simulations; and describes three computer-assisted simulations to illustrate the interdependence of the major components. (MBR)

Describes the mechanics of information exchange between the computer and the user of, e.g., a word processing editor. The importance of user orientation, how it is affected by different types of interfaces, and space aids for orienting users in menu-driven or branching programs that present output in page format are discussed. (MBR)

Reviews traditional functions of interaction in computer-based instruction (CBI); describes quantitative and qualitative perspectives on interaction strategies; discusses design-centered and learner-centered interaction; and presents methods for promoting cognitive engagement via mathemagenic and generative interaction strategies, including…

Examines the role of microcomputers in promoting oral language development. The potential for computer-assisted instruction is discussed in relation to theory and research in language development, available software is described, and the interaction of children with microcomputers to create a language learning environment is discussed. (22…

Discusses intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI) and presents various models of learning which have been proposed. Topics discussed include artificial intelligence; intelligent tutorial systems; tutorial strategies; learner control; system design; learning theory; and knowledge representation of proper and improper (i.e., incorrect)…