This comprehensive "Handbook" focuses on the most used polytomous item response theory (IRT) models. These models help us understand the interaction between examinees and test questions where the questions have various response categories. The book reviews all of the major models and includes discussions about how and where the models…

This report summarizes 219 educational technology research reviews and reports from 1990-1997, from both published and unpublished sources. The report provides software developers and publishers with research that will enable them to improve educational technology. It can also help educators make effective decisions as they attempt to incorporate…

This study elaborates the "what works?" question by exploring the effects of variability in program implementation quality on achievement. Particularly, the effects on achievement of computerized assessment of reading were investigated, analyzing data on 51,000 students in Grades 1-12 who read over 3 million books. When minimum implementation…

Describes a quantitative evaluation of an interactive videodisc program in which students measure the temperature dependence of the solubility product of lead chloride by titration of chloride with silver nitrate using a Mohr titration. Student reaction (based on responses made using the program, quiz answers, and laboratory performance) was…

National and state assessments have produced an abundance of data regarding the strengths and weaknesses of student achievement. However, to date, little has been written to guide educators regarding the use of these data to increase student achievement. This practical guide will provide educators with a step-by-step process for gathering and…

Describes a computerized partial degree auditing system, MAPP (Monitoring Academic Progress Policy), developed at the University of Florida to monitor students' progress into appropriate majors and apply institutional policy concerning degrees. The system generates letters directing students to advisors when needed. Discusses advantages for…

Reports on a study of 22 sixth-grade students' ability to use a Landsat digital data computer program to gather information. Describes student characteristics and discusses the sequential steps of the research study. Concludes that, with user-friendly software, sixth-grade students can identify and use satellite digital data. (CFR)

Describes the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program, designed to develop thinking skills and improve academic achievement for disadvantaged students in grades four through six by using computers. Highlights include curriculum development, teacher training, and the development of new approaches to existing software. (LRW)

This book is designed to help teachers maximize their students' learning of Logo. It investigates what students learn when they learn Logo, and how teachers know what they are learning. The book is intended primarily for teachers at the upper elementary and middle school levels. Each chapter is devoted to a critical aspect of Logo learning, and…

The Educational Center for Disabled Students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is designed to improve the academic performance and attitudes toward success of disabled students through computer technology and academic skills training. Adaptive equipment interventions take into account keyboard access and screen and voice output. Non-adaptive…

This newsletter contains nine articles covering the topic of technology and adult learning and exploring what has been achieved in the six years since the Office of Technology Assessment conducted a study on adult literacy and new technologies. Included are (1): "Technology and Adult Learning: A Collection of Current Perspectives" (Office of…

Presents the underlying ideas of the Software Cost Reduction (SCR) approach to requirements specifications. Results of applying this approach to the teaching of programing to high school students indicate that students perform better in writing programs. An appendix provides two examples of how the method is applied to problem solving. (MDH)

Compares academic performance between two groups of students in a statistics course. One group was given homework generated by computer software that provided feedback concerning incorrect answers. The other relied on the textbook without benefit of the feedback. The group using the software performed better on homework and tests. (MJP)

A computer-based system was developed for physically handicapped students using a learning laboratory to develop prerequisite skills for regular vocational or technical courses. Among criteria developed for the system were that it should not require manual dexterity, should use commercially available and reasonably priced hardware and software,…

This guide focuses on use of the North Carolina Vocational Competency Achievement Tracking System (VoCATS)-designated software in the instructional management process. (VoCATS is a competency-based, computer-based instructional management system that allows the collection of data on student performance achievement prior to, during, and following…