Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the use of digital technologies by teachers and students in teaching and learning from a multimodal layer perspective. Design/methodology/approach: The article reviews 64 studies on technology use. A content analysis based on the theoretical concepts of "multimodal layers" was used to…

In comparison to the past, more students with disabilities are being included in the general education classroom for science instruction. Though inquiry-based instruction has not shown to be an effective practice for students with disabilities, it is vastly becoming the dominant practice in science education. The purpose of this review is to…

In this study, we meta-analyzed empirical research of the effectiveness of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) on K-12 students' mathematical learning. A total of 26 reports containing 34 independent samples met study inclusion criteria. The reports appeared between 1997 and 2010. The majority of included studies compared the effectiveness of ITS…

This paper explores the realm of evaluation within the domain of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS). Toward that end, Littman and Soloway (1988) described two facets of evaluation: external and internal. Described here are a variety of procedures that they did not address and some that they discounted. One of the procedures not explored was the…

Reviews some instructional media research that has been done in developing countries and makes recommendations for its improvement. Twenty-two references are listed. (Author/LLS)

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)

This two-part report describes a pilot study initiated by the Ontario Ministry of Education in 1981 to define the methodology for a subsequent research project on the current use of different types of instructional resources in Ontario public schools. The first section reports on case studies based on personal interviews with both staff and…

This critical examination of the assumption that computer-based instruction enhances student learning and performance over traditional means summarizes arguments from past and present analyses of research, examines media attributes or symbol system theories, and presents evidence that much research is susceptible to rival hypotheses. (MBR)

Review of the research literature focuses on research comparing computer-assisted instruction with conventional instruction; basic research issues for instructional technology; implications of the information processing model; implications of cognitive strategies and knowledge organization for instructional technology; computers as tools for…

The "symbol systems approach" to the study of computers in education that is outlined avoids the pitfalls of past media research--particularly research on the effects of television on children's learning and knowledge--and asserts that media can be usefully distinguished in terms of the symbol systems they present and the kinds of…

This report synthesizes findings emerging from research on mastery learning. Thirty-three documents were retrieved and analyzed for the report. The documents were concerned with mastery learning research at various levels, from elementary through postsecondary education. Specific subject areas which were the partial or total focus of the reports…

Reviews the present status of computer-managed instruction systems (CMI) and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) applications in elementary and secondary schools, and examines the computer's ability to individualize instruction. Some speculations about the future of computers in public education are offered. (RAO)

A quantitative or meta-analytic review was conducted of studies comparing computer-based education (CBE) to conventional instruction in precollege classrooms. Seventy-four studies were included in the review; sources included earlier reviews by Hartley, Burns, and authors from the University of Michigan, and the ERIC and Comprehensive Dissertation…

Opportunities for online K-12 education are expanding dramatically throughout the United States. This paper describes some of the organizational models that have been developed to provide online education to public school students, including their key strengths and challenges. The review is intended to help state and local school officials weigh…