Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine an effective approach to developing university vocational lifelong learning (VLL) professionals as researchers. Design/methodology/approach: Two quite different approaches to developing VLL professionals as researchers were piloted, one involving face-to-face training and the other distance…

Describes a study that examined the relationship between academic ability or aptitude, as measured by grade point average and American College Test scores, and achievement with and without computer-assisted instruction. (15 references) (CLB)

Reported is a study of the relationships between the component skills involved in practical work assessment. Skills assessed included observing, manipulating, planning, interpreting, reporting, and self-reliance. The literature relating to inter-skill relationships is reviewed. (CW)

A literature search identified 39 studies assessing modality preferences and modality teaching. The studies, involving 3,087 disabled and nondisabled elementary/secondary level subjects, were quantitatively synthesized. Subjects receiving differential instruction based on modality preferences exhibited only modest gains. (Author/JDD)

Briefly reviews current research on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and microcomputers. The Hawthorne Effect and research results for elementary, secondary, and college level students are discussed, courseware requirements are described, and research studies showing positive and negative effects of CAI are listed. (LRW)

Since 1978, the University of Victoria has offered courses to students in British Columbia, using an interactive satellite delivery system. During that time both the system and the course design have become more sophisticated. Principles underlying program design include focusing on the learner and communication with learners, and basing televised…

This report describes an investigation of the effect of teaching library and research skills using the "Pooh Step-by-Step Guide for Writing the Research Paper" on the performance of fourth grade students on the reference materials portion of the SRA (Science Research Associates) Achievement Series tests. The random selection of two…

Discussion of the use of computerized databases in classroom instruction focuses on problem solving skills, student attitudes toward computers, and learning processes. A study of eighth graders is described that tested hypotheses involving the comparative analysis of data, and its implications for curriculum development and instructional methods…

Describes a study to determine effects of computer-assisted instruction (versus a text mode of programed instruction) and locus of control on preservice elementary teachers' computer literacy achievement. Differences in test scores of externally controlled individuals favored CAI. There were no differences between treatments when internally…

This study, which assessed the effectiveness of microcomputer-assisted instruction in assisting low achieving fourth to sixth graders to attain mathematics and reading mastery, found performance of only one experimental group statistically superior to that of the control groups, but no significant differences in attitudes toward school or sense of…

Describes a pilot project in Alberta designed to provide training for the staff of small rural school and public libraries through various distance delivery methods. Reported results include demographics of the rural librarian population; evaluation of courses offered; and comparison of delivery modes by student satisfaction, effectiveness, and…