Because the microworld can create a learning environment that allows learners to interact with the real world, the view of the microworld has been widely used in education and training. In this study, the simulated transactional interactive concurrent system (STICS) was used to provide an environment that simulates the stock market trading of the…

This study investigates how well a video tutorial for software training that is based on Demonstration-Based Teaching supports user motivation and performance. In addition, it is studied whether reviews significantly contribute to these measures. The Control condition employs a tutorial with instructional features added to a dynamic task…

In the Singapore primary school Mathematics curriculum, students are taught the model method that uses bar diagrams to visualize the problem structure in a given word problem. When these students progress to secondary school, they learn the algebraic way of solving word problems. Studies (e.g. Ng et al.) have shown that poor bridging of students…

Effective teaching should focus the attention of learners to its essential aspects. It follows that instructional software can be designed in such a way that allows learners to experience the important variations in the critical aspects of the content to be learned. This paper reports on the experience of designing such special kinds of…

Explains courseware abstraction as a method of creating generalized computer assisted learning (CAL) lessons that can then be applied to provide as many concrete examples as desired. Topics discussed include generative CAL; cost efficiency; lesson verification; student evaluation; and factually exhaustive lessons. (nine references) (LRW)

To evaluate the effectiveness of a hypermedia learning package about the Middle Ages, two groups of seventh graders completed either instructional worksheets with a book, or a hypermedia package. No differences were found between the two groups in the number of questions completed, questions answered correctly, interest in material, or task…

Discusses a case study in which dyads of students and teachers using a microcomputer-based computer assisted learning (CAL) program are videotaped to analyze the interactions. Results from the dialogue analysis are related to learning outcomes and evaluating the educational efficacy of CAL software is discussed. (24 references) (LRW)

Describes software that was designed in the United Kingdom to promote conceptual change in secondary school students studying mechanics. Direct Manipulation of Mechanical Microworlds, an interactive computer simulation, and VARILAB, a computer-based language for modelling systems, are explained; and two studies that will evaluate the effectiveness…