Video games are an oft-cited reason for young learners getting interested in programming and computer science. As such, many learning opportunities build on this interest by having kids program their own video games. This approach, while sometimes successful, has its drawbacks stemming from the fact that the challenge of programming and game…

This article explores the critical need to articulate computing as a creative discipline and the potential for gender and ethnic diversity that such efforts enable. By embracing a culture shift within the discipline and using games as a medium of discourse, we can engage students and faculty in a broader definition of computing. The transformative…

This article describes a model for teaching Java Programming Language through Dynamic Learning Objects. The design of the learning objects was based on effective learning design principles to help students learn the complex topic of Java Programming. Visualization was also used to facilitate the learning of the concepts. (Contains 1 figure and 2…

Susan M. Fulgham and Michael F. Shaughnessy, Contributing Editors for this journal, present their interview with Marcia C. Linn, Professor of Development and Cognition, specializing in education in mathematics, science, and technology, in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley. Linn is currently investigating…

Educational technologists may advance the state of the field by increasing capacity to develop software tools and instructional applications. Presently, few academic programs in educational technology require even a single computer programming course. Further, the educational technologists who develop software generally work independently or in…

Discusses the evolution of authoring tools and hypermedia learning systems based on technological and pedagogical innovations. Highlights include instructional products; computer-based instruction and Web-based instruction; classes of authoring tools; Web-based course management tools; scalability and usability; object oriented designs; learners…

Suggests there must be educational reform deliberately engineered to enable schools to effectively use instructional technology. Discusses principles of instruction that facilitate learning; the need for effective instructional authoring tools; and the need for teacher support within the system to encourage innovation. (LRW)

Discusses the poor technical and design quality of many Web sites and provides tips for improving quality: use meta tags; provide page sponsor identification, links back to home page, page titles; display a paragraph describing the purpose of the Web page; avoid using frames and publishing pages under construction; check language and mechanics;…

Discusses the development and introduction of expert tutoring systems (ETS), or intelligent tutoring systems. Explains MONAP-PLUS, an example of an authoring tool for the design of an ETS that includes models of the subject domain, the learner, and the learning process; a user-friendly interface; and techniques for developing algorithmic…

Provides a conceptual framework for evaluating Automated Instructional Design (AID) and Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) systems. Evaluation systems including personal, pedagogical, product-oriented, user-oriented, and context-oriented methods are discussed. Figures representing components of the evaluation process are presented. (Contains 25…

Describes developments in the production and use of literary texts in electronic formats. Highlights include electronic approaches to literature, including characteristics of electronic writing and literary scholarship; relevant technologies; authoring programs; Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML); sources of texts; and the production of…

Popular electronic tools for learning--tutorials, educational databases, learning nodes, simulations and educational games--are described, and their functions as part of the learning system are examined using Gagne's Events of Instruction model. Figures representing tutorial models are included. (Contains seven references.) (SLW)

Examines the educational potential for intelligent agents as cognitive tools. Discusses the role of intelligent agents: managing large amounts of information (information overload), serving as a pedagogical expert, and creating programming environments for the learner. (AEF)

Provides basic guidelines for designing and creating a faculty Web site using a systems approach. Describes instructional design principles used in Web site design, including considering the target audience, clear objectives, home page and contents, site navigation structure, page design, text and graphics, and selecting a Web authoring program.…

Examines features to consider when redesigning instructional materials to electronic format from print. Topics discussed include physical presence; human-computer interface; resolution and screen size; online help; interactivity; motion and sound; and software tools. Examples of screen designs are included. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)