A short course on the heart comprising film and still pictures, with questions, explanations, and a glossary, were recorded on videodisc, then offered to 12 subjects via a videodisc player interfaced with a Philips P857 minicomputer. The system is described and recommendations made for future computer-interactive videodisc courses. (RAO)

These two issues of a newsletter address the use of computers in developing complex thinking skills. The first issue, for May 1986, includes articles on: environmental science computer applications; computers and higher order thinking in Mineola, New York; a description of case study research identifying effective uses of computers in developing…

Explains the "Point and Query" (P&Q) Interface which trains students to develop good questioning strategies, decrease search time and increase retention and recall. Navigation and knowledge organization in the P&Q interface are explained; and two experiments demonstrating P&Q use are presented. (Contains 16 references.) (SLW)

Describes a study that used innovation diffusion theory to investigate the effects of the allocation of computer coordinator work time on student computer use in academic subjects in grade 5 and grade 11. Findings suggest that teacher support is more critical than student support and that effects differ in different grades. (Contains 31…

Describes the results of the use of computer-based tutorials to teach the pathology of the cardiovascular system in a veterinary school in the United Kingdom. Concludes that the combined worksheet and computer based learning format is suitable for teaching veterinary pathology. (LRW)

Describes a pilot study on the use of computer algebra at the upper secondary level. A symbolic calculator was introduced in a pre-examination class studying for advanced pre-university mathematics. Focuses on the identification of obstacles that students encounter while using computer algebra with the theoretical framework of Realistic…

Describes a study that examined changes in preservice and inservice teachers' attitudes toward computers following their participation in an educational computing class and explored factors that contributed to their computer use. Discusses prior computer experience, having home computers, and current use of technology in the school at which they…

Describes a study that examined current practices of distance educators regarding their use of synchronous (chat) and asynchronous (bulletin board) text-based communication in online courses, based on an ongoing worldwide online survey of distance educators. Discusses reasons for using each type of communication and offers recommendations for…

Describes a self-paced, computer-managed Advanced Learning System (ALS) developed at Western Illinois University for teaching economics. Results of a study comparing ALS student comprehension and information retention to student achievement in conventional economics classes is included. (AM)

Discussion of hypertext for computer-assisted instruction highlights SINS (Semistructured Intelligent Navigation System), a hypertext system that addresses and solves navigation problems common to hypertext environments. The semantic search mechanism of SINS is explained, and SINS is compared with HyperCard using searches performed by veterinary…

Describes a study of eighth graders that examined the contribution of an Internet environment embedded with metacognitive instruction on students' reading comprehension, motivation, and metacognitive awareness. Results show a significant impact on motivation but none on achievement or metacognitive awareness. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/LRW)

Describes a project conducted with Italian lower-secondary school classes using computers and telematics for the study of contemporary history. Discusses the use of computer-mediated communication to improve collaboration between students, teachers, and experts and to foster an alternative way of studying history. (Contains 4 references.)…

Almost all students in a study of an integrated instructional approach indicated that using a computer and workbook was very helpful in understanding financial accounting. A related study found that students with lower reading levels benefited most from this approach, and withdrawal dropped from 10 percent to 2 percent. (JOW)

Describes a study conducted among 10-year old students at a Finnish elementary school that examined the relations and possible interaction of students' motivational orientation and the quality of their inquiry in computer-supported collaborative learning. Topics include social interaction during CSLIE (Computer-Supported Intentional Learning…

Describes one aspect of a year-long study of primary level teacher's and children's use of the language arts component of SuccessMaker, an Integrated Learning System (ILS). Documents areas where the curricula embedded in the ILS were congruent with teacher's normal curricula and pedagogical practices. Raises issues about the appropriate…