This is an important work for anyone interested in understanding the nature, design, and implementation of Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) programs. Although primarily designed as an introductory college textbook, it could also serve as a useful resource for high school teachers, industrial trainers, computer professionals, and other persons who either use computers to teach, or are involved in the development of instructional computer programs. Both authors are experienced educators with a rich background in research. In their book, the authors integrate the latest in language learning theory, instructional theory, and computer technology.

The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 provides background information on computers, their history, how they work, and their applications in an educational environment. Part 2 offers a comprehensive analysis of five types of CBI programs: tutorials, drills, simulations, games, and tests. The instructional characteristics of these methodologies are discussed in the light of a model of teaching comprising four phases: (1) presenting information, (2) guiding the student, (3), practicing, and (4), assessing student learning. The emphasis is on those features that most facilitate learning and student satisfaction. In Part 3, the authors systematically cover the step-by-step process of lesson design. They provide detailed guidelines on how to go about defining lesson goals, how to collect resource materials, how to generate and organize ideas for a lesson, and how to produce good displays. Each step is illustrated by means of a concrete example. The treatment of programming is language independent. A useful list of sound programming practices is included. The techniques discussed are general enough to be useful in most programming environments. Part 3 concludes with a section on lesson evaluation and revision. Each chapter contains bibliographical references and concludes with a summary of the concepts covered.

This reviewer highly recommends this work for its comprehensive and coherent treatment of the subject, its logical organization, and its clear and concise writing style.