This document reports an experiment designed to assess the effects of learner control over the level of challenge in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and collect data that will guide the design of future learner control experiments. The subjects were 78 undergraduate students in the College of Education at a large public university. The CAI…

This study examined the impact of word processors on the writing of eighth grade students experienced in computer use. Four classes of students (n=111) were asked to write one expository paper on the computer and another paper on a similar theme by hand in a repeated measures research design that controlled for effects of order of writing (on or…

This paper presents a framework for understanding conditions of discovery learning in computer-based microworlds. It begins with a short discussion of problems related to a traditional type of microworld--i.e., learning tools for mathematics--using the Dienes Multibase Arithmetic blocks as an example. In this discussion, hypotheses are developed…

Describes a study that was designed to examine whether the computer attitudes of graduate students in a beginning statistics course differed based on their prior computer experience and the type of statistical analysis package used. Versions of statistical analysis packages using a mainframe and a microcomputer are compared. (14 references) (LRW)

The attitudes of high school students toward the use of microcomputers were examined in terms of causal attributions, i.e., student perceptions of the causes of academic performance. The subjects for the study were 171 male and female students, representing 102 white and 69 minority students who were enrolled in a large city high school. The…

Examines the relationship between computer anxiety and computer experience for older (over 55) and younger (under 30) adults. Data were collected from 422 subjects using attitude and anxiety scales. Results indicated that older adults were less computer anxious than younger adults but had less computer confidence. No gender differences were found…

Examines factors involved in decisions regarding adoption of microcomputers for administrative and instructional use in early childhood education. A study of 80 administrators in Illinois is described and analyzed that considered relevant past experiences, future expectancies, openness to change, and social support as decision-making influences.…

The effects of microcomputer use on preschoolers' knowledge of pre-reading concepts and attitudes toward microcomputers were investigated. Seventy-seven preschoolers were randomly assigned to three treatment conditions: (1) adult-assisted microcomputer instruction; (2) unassisted microcomputer use; and (3) no computer use. Analysis of pretest…

Instructional simulation is a type of computer assisted instruction that is effective for teaching dynamic skills. Control of instructional simulation may be fully automated (computer control), assigned to learners (learner controlled instruction), or control may be shared between computer and learner (learner control with advisement). The…

Reports the development of a classification system for microcomputer-based software according to the depth and type of involvement of the user with the software. Three studies are discussed that used the facet approach, multivariate statistical procedures, and questionnaires to investigate types of involvement produced by computer programs. (18…

Discussion of computer-based instruction and animation focuses on a study of undergraduates that investigated the effects of two computer-based instructional strategies, visual display and feedback type, on teaching how to troubleshoot electronic circuits. Time spent on various components of the program is also examined. (35 references) (LRW)

Describes a study that investigated how to teach computer skills to undergraduate female novice users through the design of an instructional manual that facilitated learning computer skills and increased computer self-efficacy by using familiar analogies. Treatment of the experimental and control groups is explained, and measurement techniques are…

Describes study that investigated the effects of learner control and program control on the achievement and continuing motivation of high school students. The influence of the availability of computer-delivered instruction on student motivation was also examined, results are analyzed, and further research needs are suggested. (37 references)…

Describes a study that examined the evolution of students' perceptions in grades 4 through 10 concerning computers over the course of 3 years. The use of Clark's concept of media attributions is explained; and results related to the three dependent variables of preference, perceived learning, and perceived difficulty are reported. (32 references)…

Describes research that investigated the study strategies of preservice teachers through the use of a hypertext program that monitored lecture note review strategies of individuals and dyads. Highlights include learning from lectures; the use of pretest information; and differences in dyad and individual review strategies. (Contains 28…