Although prior research has shown that generating explanations encourages students to learn new content with deeper understanding and to monitor their own comprehension more effectively, helping students learn how to explain properly remains a significant challenge. This study investigated the use of software agents as learning partners in an…

Previous research has shown that computer-based tasks can motivate people with autism and encourage learning. As a computer-based medium, Virtual Environments (VEs) offer a potentially useful tool for social skills training for people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, there are some concerns over whether people with ASDs can…

We investigated whether the findings from worked-out example research on the effects of self-explanation prompts and on instructional explanations can be generalized to other example types--in this case: solved example problems. Whereas worked-out examples consist of a problem formulation, solution steps, and the final solution, solved example…

Reports the results of a study conducted at the University of York (England) that was designed to test the effectiveness of a concept mapping tool in aiding student learning from a hypertext-based computer-assisted instruction system. Effects on learning are compared with standard notetaking through results of a posttest. (Contains 17 references.)…

Describes a study at the French department of the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands) that was conducted to investigate students' reactions to feedback during computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Results of transaction log analysis, interviews, and think-aloud protocols are analyzed to study students' strategies when working with CALL.…

Describes a set of computer simulations for teaching undergraduate educational psychology principles and reviews a study of teacher education students that used questionnaires to assess student attitudes toward simulations of classroom behavior problems. Attitude measures indicated high levels of acceptance of the simulations. (Author/LRW)

Through a LISREL analysis, this study validated the Constructivist Internet-based Learning Environment Survey (CILES). CILES consisted of six scales, sorted by two aspects. The first aspect, the cognitive-metacognitive aspect, included the scales of student negotiation, inquiry learning, and reflective thinking, whereas the second aspect, the…

Describes a special application of the microcomputer for small and large group instruction called Computer-Guided-Teaching (CGT). Effective teaching strategies incorporated in CGT lessons are discussed, and a description of a formal geometry course illustrates their use in CGT lessons. (MBR)

Discussion of interactive video for educational purposes focuses on the development of a video-supported active learning (VISUAL) resource on voice disorders that used digitized video and an Apple Macintosh computer. User evaluations are reported, and potential applications for VISUAL resources are suggested. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Describes the implementation of computer-based teaching in the Norwegian school system. The government's role is described, evaluation procedures are explained, the role of the teachers and teacher training are discussed, and factors that influence a school's success in implementing the use of computers are explored. (LRW)

Discusses cooperative problem solving among Open University physics and math students and describes three studies that investigated how to design effective computer-based support for collaborative learning in distance education. The value of peer interaction for learning and problem solving is discussed, and students' attitudes to group work are…

Describes a study that compared the expressed objectives of teachers using computer-based information handling packages in the classroom against recorded classroom outcomes. The areas of skill and knowledge acquisition, learning strategies, sociopsychological issues, and life skills are discussed. (9 references) (CLB)