The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of behavioral and cognitive organizing strategies and varied processing intervals on factual and inferential learning. A total of 49 upper-division undergraduate and graduate students, who were randomly assigned to either a cognitive, behavioral, or individual orienting strategy group, received…

Outlines Component Design Theory, which is based on the author's earlier Component Display Theory, and provides the instructional design guidance needed for experiential computer based instructional systems. Highlights include a contrast between tutorial and experiential instructional models, content structures, consistency rules, instructional…

Describes current status of library school technological support systems and determines effectiveness of various laboratory configurations by assessing relationship of selected input variables to following output measures: number of courses requiring laboratory use, number of database systems available, a service index, and an equipment…

Defines cognitive computer tools as software programs that use the control capabilities of computers to amplify, extend, or enhance human cognition; suggests seven ways in which computers can aid learning; and describes the "Learning Tool," a software package for the Apple Macintosh microcomputer that is designed to aid learning of…

To examine the role of elaborations in learning a procedural skill (i.e., using a personal computer) from an instructional text, 88 members of the Carnegie-Mellon University community (students, faculty, and staff members) participated in two experiments. Experimental sessions consisted of a reading period followed by a task performance period in…

Discussion of the use of computer drills in education focuses on a study designed to compare the effect of a progressive state drill with the effect of having high school students implement their own strategies using flashcards. The use of sequential analysis is explained, and student attitudes are examined. (26 references) (Author/LRW)

This paper presents research on the concept of idealized learning environments called Havens that facilitate learning, introduces the topic of technologically-created Havens, and discusses various components of Havens that can facilitate comprehension. Three experiments involving college students at Vanderbilt University are described. Designed to…

Research was conducted to further investigate the results of an earlier 1985 study (Dwyer, et al.) which found that a moderately externally-paced microcomputer-based instructional program was more effective than either a self-paced or a more aggressive externally-paced condition. Instructional programs (heart parts and verbal labels) were…

The results of a study designed to compare the performance of learning handicapped and normally achieving students on microcomputer-administered spelling tests led the authors to suggest that microcomputer-administered dictation spelling tests may interfere with the cognitive process required in spelling for learning disabled students. (JW)

Current issues in educational communications and technology are addressed in this collection of 47 papers, in which research reports dominate. Topics discussed include factors related to the learner, e.g., problem-solving skills, motivation, comparison of instructional design strategies, effects of organizational cues and text layouts, and…

Describes the use of microcomputer database management systems to facilitate the instructional uses of learning strategies relating to information processing skills, especially recall. Two learning strategies, cross-classification matrixing and node acquisition and integration, are highlighted. (Author/LRW)

This paper describes a demonstration of an instructional package consisting of original, interactive microcomputer-based simulations and accompanying faculty and student guides designed to assist in teaching introductory psychology. An Apple IIe computer and color monitor were used. The paper contains: (1) a purpose statement; (2) a brief summary…

Reviews the principles of the behavioral model of learning and discusses the need to incorporate these principles in the development of educational software programs. Criteria for evaluating software programs based on their inclusion of behavioral principles are provided, and the evaluations of six available programs based on these criteria are…

Developed in order to understand how learning theory can be applied to software application in the classroom, the learning model discussed in this paper is based on the assumption that the learner wants to learn, accepts a challenge, has a willingness to try software, and will become independent in choosing software and making it work. A hierarchy…

Describes one way of structuring an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) in light of developments in artificial intelligence. A specialized intelligent operating system (SIOS) is proposed for software for a network of microcomputers, and it is postulated that a general learning system must be used as a basic framework for the SIOS. (Author/LRW)