Designers of interactive learning environments face the issue of managing the learner's cognitive load, reducing irrelevant sources while optimizing useful sources of load. I propose a conceptual framework aimed at organizing the contributions of the papers presented in this special issue. The framework identifies three main dimensions, namely…

As a boy, Thomas Edison exhibited many of the traits commonly associated with gifted students that differentiate them from their peers. Gifted and talented students: (1) are original thinkers; (2) are at ease in pondering the unusual; (3) can tolerate ambiguity; (4) are not frustrated by lack of closure; (5) have powerful imaginations; (6) display…

This essay considers the revolutionized education of a projected future of cheap and sophisticated technology. Predictions include a redefinition of literacy and basic skills and a restructuring of educational delivery employing computers to dispense information in order to free teachers to work directly with students on cognitive development.…

The author of EC 604 972 describes the evolution of her interest in the motivational aspects of computer-assisted instruction for students with learning disabilities. The paper cites research findings that impact on the selection and implementation of computer activities and notes the complex relationship between student achievement and…

Presents a methodology for the development of educational software for use in secondary education based on the characteristics of the students and the curricular objectives. Topics discussed include desirable features of educational software and the engineering of educational software, including its interdisciplinary nature. (Contains 10…

This literature review summarizes humor theory as an instructional strategy and provides examples of humor research. Discusses relationships between humor, affect, motivation, information processing, and learner characteristics. Provides six guidelines for incorporating humor in computer-based instruction (CBI) and proposes a research agenda for…

Examines the impact of computers on Chilean education. Topics discussed include the Chilean educational system; the integration of computers in private schools; leadership; and results of a survey that characterized the use of computers in 1,604 schools, including socioeconomic levels of students, types of computers and software, and computer…

Considers issues that need to be addressed when incorporating audio in courseware design. Topics discussed include functions of audio in courseware; the relationship between auditive and visual information; learner characteristics in relation to audio; events of instruction; and audio characteristics, including interactivity and speech technology.…

Discusses the implementation of computer conferencing (CC) as a learning environment to supplement classroom instruction at the postsecondary level. The teacher's role, student characteristics, group dynamics, benefits and limitations, and orientation and training in computer conferencing technology are highlighted. A figure illustrates the…

Examines the nature of desktop publishing and how it can be used in the classroom for gifted/talented students. Characteristics and special needs of such students are identified, and it is argued that desktop publishing addresses those needs, particularly with regard to creativity. Twenty-six references are provided. (MES)

Discusses how computer technology can help teachers use Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences to find strengths in each student, explaining how one teacher used Gardner's theory to develop her students' abilities when using a particular educational computer/videotape program. Suggestions for programs to develop the different intelligences are…

The information revolution is making various impacts on social studies. Students are children of this age and are learning social ideas from technology. The information revolution should be part of the social studies curriculum. Unresolved questions (e.g., Who should write computer software?) and some thoughts on the future are discussed. (RM)

Discussion of research on computer-aided instruction (CAI) focuses on a set of questions and hypotheses that form the basis for research on the effectiveness of CAI. Four factors are highlighted: (1) the medium (including interactive videodisc); (2) the environment; (3) student characteristics; and (4) topic of instruction. (38 references) (LRW)

Describes a study that evaluated the influence of a computer-based support system on the decision-making skills of graduate students in a financial management course. Topics discussed include the role of computers in business education; the impact of personal characteristics on decision making; students' satisfaction; student attitudes; and gender…

The future of higher education, especially that of the community college, is discussed. The role of the community college in advancing new concepts--such as open admissions, equal opportunity, and community involvement--is recounted. The development of higher education in the United States is traced, and problems created by the recently instituted…