This book, written by authors representing 12 countries and five continents, is a collection of international perspectives on distance learning and distance learning implementations in higher education. The perspectives are presented in the form of practical case studies of distance learning implementations, research studies on teaching and…

Compared was the mathematical performance of secondary school students for whom a graphic calculator was a standard mathematical tool, with that of students of similar background without regular access to graphing technology. Increased achievement on symbolization tasks, especially for females, was shown for students who used the graphing…

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of different types of visual illustrations on learner's learning interest, motivation and achievement, especially in multimedia learning. The participants were drawn from two classes of an "Introduction to Educational Technology" course and randomly assigned to one of the three…

Described is the notion of multiple alternative representations of mathematical reasoning, particularly as they relate to algebraic notation and the potential of computers to change representations. Features of a desirable notation for algebraic problem solving are described. This is followed by a description of the RAND Corporation's intelligent…

During the first 12 weeks of an applied calculus course, two classes of college students studied calculus concepts using graphical and symbol-manipulation computer programs to perform routine manipulations. Three weeks were spent on skill development. Students showed better understanding of concepts and performed almost as well on routine skills.…

A nonconventional graphical way to represent functions (the Parallel Axes Representation) is discussed. A computerized environment designed to support the exploration of the representation of linear functions is described. The didactical potential of this representation is illustrated. (CW)

Reports on a study of seven preschool children engaged in drawing activities with traditional media (crayons, felt-tip pens, etc.) and a mouse-driven computer paintbox program. Finds that the same basic media-independent strategies are used when children try to establish a relationship between their mark-making actions and the resultant effects.…

Reviews three softwre packages: "Molecular Graphics on the Apple Microcomputer, Enhanced Version 2.0"; "Molecular Graphics on the IBM PC Microcomputer"; and "Molecular Animator, IBM PC Version." Packages are rated based on ease of use, subject matter content, pedagogic value, and student reaction. (CW)

Described is a short program for teaching and learning about geometric transformations. The integration of geometry problem solving and BASIC programing is discussed. Applications of computer graphics are illustrated. (CW)

Discusses a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) study (n=75) which uses multiple temperature gathering devices (mercury thermometer, digital thermometer, and computer probe) and graphing methods (hand graphs, delayed computer graphs, and real-time graphs). Reports that MBL real-time graphing provides significant increases in graphing skills. (MVL)

This collection consists of 21 papers presented at the July 1983 Annual Summer Conference on "The Computer: Extension of the Human Mind II," in Eugene, Oregon. Six papers were presented at general interest sessions; 15 were from special interest group sessions. The general interest papers include David Ahl's "Keeping Up with Computers in Education…

Because density is unobservable and must be inferred from knowledge about weight and size, it is a difficult concept to teach and learn. Even after traditional instruction, many students still have an undifferentiated concept that mixes characteristics of both weight and density. In this study, researchers tested the effectiveness of a unit they…

Two classroom studies, one conducted in the spring of 1985 and the second in the spring of 1986, showed that many high school students do not differentiate between heat and temperature; instead, they have a single concept that contains some of the features of heat and some of the features of temperature. Because the distinction between these two…

Reports on study of use of fractal geometry in a computer graphics program to improve the perception of intermediate grade level students in their paintings. Finds that students are more likely to use changing shapes and colors after viewing slides of fractal computer graphics. Concludes that fractal computer graphics would make highly engaging…

Density is the first intensive physical quantity students encounter that can be understood in terms of an underlying model, the particulate theory of matter. Learning about density provides students with explanations for a range of phenomena such as sinking and floating, and changes of state. Teachers report, however, that density is a difficult…