This paper explores a new approach to engage students in authoring educational content. This approach was implemented in AnnotEx (Example Annotator) system, which allows students to annotate computer programming examples with line-by-line explanations and review annotations produced by their peers. A controlled study of AnnotEx presented in this…

Concept maps have been widely employed for helping students organise their knowledge as well as evaluating their knowledge structures in a wide range of subject matters. Although researchers have recognised concept maps as being an important educational tool, past experiences have also revealed the difficulty of evaluating the correctness of a…

Serious games have a great potential for training and educating people in novel and engaging ways. However, little empirical research has been done on the effectiveness of serious games, and although early findings do point to a moderately positive direction, even less is known about why some games succeed in effectively educating while others do…

We investigated the effectiveness of reusable learning objects (RLOs) when delivered in a workshop or released for self-study with groups of student-nurses studying chemistry. Analysis of examination results showed that the proportion of students answering chemistry questions correctly increased significantly in both the workshop and self-study…

Traditional approaches to learning have often focused upon knowledge transfer strategies that have centred on textually-based engagements with learners, and dialogic methods of interaction with tutors. The use of virtual worlds, with text-based, voice-based and a feeling of "presence" naturally is allowing for more complex social interactions and…

Discusses interactivity as it pertains to learning. Presents the findings of a survey of primary school teachers asked to evaluate two science-based CD-ROMS and the resulting theoretical framework of cognitive interactivity. Identifies dimensions for teachers to assess (visibility and accessibility, manipulability and annotatability, creativity…

Reviews three studies exploring the effectiveness of computers and parent volunteers for remedial language skills training in young children with Down's syndrome and severe language, learning, and behavioral disabilities. The results suggest that computer-based intervention is useful. Discusses educational considerations for planning and includes…

"SeeWord" is a highly configurable word processing environment, which assists dyslexic users in producing and reading text. Three prototypes of the software were developed and evaluated. The third was used in an experimental study with six dyslexic school pupils. Research showed five out of the six, aged 14-16, years benefited from use of…

This study evaluates the utility of Wordshark, a multisensory drill-and-practice computer program designed to improve children's spelling and word recognition skills. Discusses results of a questionnaire sent to United Kingdom schools that investigated use in elementary and secondary schools; students with special education needs; and Individual…