This editorial introduces a special section of the "Journal of Learning Analytics," for which Neil Selwyn's keynote address to LAK '18 has been written up as an article, "What's the problem with learning analytics?" His claims and arguments are engaged in commentaries from Alfred Essa, Rebecca Ferguson, Paul Prinsloo, and…

Hills and Hertwig (2012) challenge the proposed similarity of the exploration-exploitation transitions found in Gonzalez and Dutt (2011) between the 2 experimental paradigms of decisions from experience (sampling and repeated-choice), which was predicted by an instance-based learning (IBL) model. The heart of their argument is that in the sampling…

In this reply, the author agrees with Eric Jensen on several important points, among them: that neuroscientific data are relevant to educational research, that these data have already proved useful, and that neuroscience alone should not be expected to generate classroom-ready prescriptions. He sharply disagrees with him, however, on the prospects…

There are three ways to learn: guided learning, experiential learning, and action learning. They differ in many respects from each other and may produce different kinds of representations. They may be compared to ways of undertaking a journey: traveling, trekking, and exploring. (Author/JOW)

Challenges Smolensky's theory that human intuitive/nonconscious cognitive processes can only be accurately explained in terms of subsymbolic computations in artificial neural networks. Symbolic learning models of two cognitive tasks involving nonconscious acquisition of information are presented: learning production rules and artificial finite…

This article reports results of a case study of text-based online and CD-ROM databases that identified design characteristics that are important to high school students' use for higher-level learning as well as for information access and retrieval. Implications for the design of databases are suggested. (Contains 62 references.) (LRW)

Describes three encyclopedias available on CD-ROM: (1) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia; (2) World Book's Information Finder; and (3) Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia. Ideas for how they might be used in the classroom are suggested, information retrieval versus motivation is discussed, learning processes are examined, and stand-alone versus…

Examines processes by which general but weak search methods are transformed into powerful, domain-specific search strategies by classifying types of heuristics learning that can occur and components that contribute to such learning. A learning system--SAGE.2--and its structure, behavior in different domains, and future directions are explored. (36…

Reports on the second phase of a cognitive study of multimedia and its effects on sixth graders' learning that focused on the relationship among text, animation, and captions. Results show that a combination of text plus animation and captions resulted in greater recall, inference, and comprehension. (Author/LRW)

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…

Discussion of the impact of information literacy programs on student learning focuses on a study in a Sydney (Australia) high school that tested the assumption that information skills instruction, integrated into the science curriculum, contributed to student achievement as well as to overall student attitudes and motivation. (13 references) (LRW)

Describes the Barkestorp Project that investigated the teaching and learning process for Swedish elementary school children after libraries had been introduced into the curriculum. Highlights include planning by principals, teachers, and librarians; the librarian's role; cooperation between teachers and librarians; student behavior; library…

Proposes a taxonomy to aid decision makers in selecting computer software consistent with their educational values regarding the nature of instruction and the use of information technology, based on beliefs about human development and learning. Characteristics of instruction, properties of software, and the congruence between them are discussed.…

This continuation of an earlier article that described computer-based speech recognition products focuses on future hardware and software predictions. Highlights include effects that speech input/output could have on teaching language arts in elementary and secondary schools; changes in thought processing factors; use by the physically…

Discusses educational computing in Korea to be used for improving the teaching-learning process, improving science education, and preparing for an information society. Highlights include government, higher education, and private company support; basic objectives and long-term planning for educational computing; software applications; and future…