This article describes an approach to modifying science students' alternative conceptions of physical phenomena by means of diagnostic and remedial microcomputer programs designed in accord with a model of conceptual change. Current applications of microcomputers are discussed, including numerical work, drill and testing, tutorials, simulation,…

This analysis of the relationship between science education and technology over the past 15 years focuses on lessons learned from research on learning and instruction, the relationship between the teacher and technology, and the influence of technological advances on educational practice. Five conclusions are drawn: (1) courseware authoring…

The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to outline the issues involved in designing videodisc-based instruction to meet the needs of the public high school, and (2) to describe the approach being used in one project that is developing videodisc-based courseware for high school math and science instruction. The first of two major sections…

This paper discusses skills science teachers need to effectively use computing in their teaching and describes how pre- and in-service science teachers can acquire computing skills. These skills can be grouped under three headings: (1) computer as a tutor for students (such as using drill and tutorial programs to bolster achievement); (2) computer…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an electronic geoboard, a computer-software program, could be used to assess youngsters' ability to discover facts and relationships in an unlabled and ambiguous situation. Subjects--108 children, ages 6 to 12--were enrolled in grades 1 to 6 in Norwood, New York. The electronic geoboard served as…

Effects of microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) exercises and level of cognitive development on high school biology students' ability to construct and interpret line graphs were investigated. Forty-six students enrolled in general biology classes at a rural high school volunteered to participate in the study. These students were administered…

The increasing availability of the computer in the classroom has created a need for informed and creative instructional software. Two areas of cognitive research in mathematics and science learning have implications to instruction and, consequently, to educational software design. These are research on misconceptions and on differences between…

This paper describes a joint research project between science educators and computer science software engineers. A computer software system based on cognitive learning theory was designed that was intended to be relevant to teaching, learning, curriculum development, and research in science education. The generic prototype software system was…

There are a number of ways in which the educational applications of computers can be categorized. This document focuses on the use of computers in science teaching. It differentiates between such terminology as tutor, tool, tutee, tutorial dialogue, revelatory use, conjectural use, and emancipatory use. The major portion of this paper is a…

Discusses the results of a survey on the usage of computers in secondary schools. Indicates that the majority of use was by computer classes; more staff development is needed for teachers of non-computer classes; and there is insufficient hardware and software available for non-computer classes. (TW)

Provides an annotated bibliography of references which deal with specific topics for educators using computers in the classroom in teaching mathematics and science. Also appropriate for researchers gathering background material for the preparation of articles, grant proposals, and presentations. (TW)

Contains an annotated bibliography of articles which deal with computer-assisted testing. Includes the author's name, the periodical in which the article appeared, and a short description of the article. (TW)

Describes the development of a computer simulation model of forage-beef production systems, which is intended to incorporate soil, forage, and animal decisions into an enterprise scenario. Produces a summary of forage production and livestock needs. Cites positive assessment of the program's value by participants in inservice training workshops.…

The Educational Technology Center (ETC) was established by the National Institute of Education in October, 1983, in order to find ways of using the computer and other information technologies to teach science, mathematics, and computing more effectively. This report describes the ETC, presents its framework for research, and summarizes work on 14…

The Educational Technology Center (ETC) was established by the National Institute of Education in October, 1983, in order to find ways of using the computer and other information technologies to teach science, mathematics, and computing more effectively. This report describes the ETC, presents its framework for research, and summarizes work on 12…