The creation of machine and software educational environments appropriate to the cognitive processing characteristics of children

This study provides an examination of the difficulties faced by educators when confronted by the new computer technology. An examination of Computer Assisted Learning provides an understanding of the types of uses to which a computer can be put in an educational environment. Software is divided into four basic types: instructional, revelatory, emancipatory, and conjectural. This section includes a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of software. An examination is made of theories of learning in so far as they contribute to the design of educational software. In particular, the contribution of theorists such as Skinner, Gagné and Bandura is looked at, and models are provided for the development of three different types of software: drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation. These models provide educators with an appreciation of the design approach to be taken in the development of such software, as well as with a starting point should they wish to design software themselves.