Data projectors have become a common sight in school classrooms, often in conjunction with an interactive whiteboard. Long periods of continuous use coupled with the transfer of a large amount of thermal energy from the projector's bulb means that they frequently break down, often in such a manner that they become uneconomic to repair. In this…

The objects-first strategy to teaching programming has prevailed over the imperative-first and functional-first strategies during the last decade. However, the objects-first strategy has created added difficulties to both the teaching and learning of programming. In an attempt to confront these difficulties and support the objects-first strategy…

The Structured Sound Function (SSF) Model is proposed as a method for adding audio to educational computer programs. Topics include the background of the SSF Model; educational hypermedia computing; the two approaches (structure-before-function and function-before-structure) of applying the SSF Model; and recent applications. (57 references)…

Describes the use of Mathcad, an interactive software package that responds to mathematical input, in an undergraduate economics class. Mathcad uses a rules-based programming language that "reads" the relationships among variables and constraints defined by the user, solves for unknowns, and graphs for one or more equations. (MJP)

Examines a hypermedia system built as the outcome of a proposal funded by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. The system allows students choice in content studied and also allows students to choose their own learning strategy. The system has attributes and features that are important in relation to curriculum issues and educational…

The classroom teacher's comfort and familiarity with computers and software influences student-computer use in the classroom. Teachers remain mired in repetitive introduction of basic software mechanics and rarely progress with students to advanced concepts or complex applications. An Online Assistant (OLA) was developed to accompany the…

Laptop computers offer a unique way to package a course so that students will learn academic communication skills using the latest technological tools. Laptops can be programmed to be compatible with a school's computer system, eliminating many potential problems students might face in adapting their home computers. Additionally, a level playing…

Describes a pilot project that implemented and tested an interactive system of multimedia computer learning modules for an introductory human geography course. The project used a sequential learning process moving from initial concepts, to collaborative writing, and on to geographical analyses by the students. Includes assignment examples, system…

Describes a computer software program that allows students, working independently and interactively with the computer, to select alternative market conditions and/or policies and view the results numerically as well as graphically. Discusses options and models provided by the software as well as classroom applications. (MJP)

Details the introduction of five different forms of instructional technology into a core international relations class. The technology includes a multimedia map, the Internet, a course Web Page, CD-ROMs, and "Powerpoint" presentations. Identifies technological breakdowns as the most consistent problem with these approaches and suggests alternate…

Maintains that computer-assisted instruction built around a spreadsheet-based model can illustrate and simplify some of the more difficult concepts concerning economics and fisheries. Describes a software program that illustrates overcapitalization, asset fixity, resource rent capture, economic optimum, and sustainable yield. (MJP)

Describes a computer software program where students define alternative policy sets and compare their effects on the welfare of consumers, producers, and the public sector. Policy sets may be a single tax or quota or a mix of taxes, subsidies, and/or price supports implemented in the marketing chain. (MJP)

Maintains that the explosion of communications technology represents both content and method for social studies courses. Praises the International Negotiation Project (INP) as an educational resource that incorporates both. The INP is a computer-assisted simulation of international negotiation and foreign policy decision making. (MJP)