Presents three trends in education separately: distance learning, ITS systems, and media-oriented learning. Benefits of their integration are considered along with the possible pitfalls and a short systematic approach on how to avoid them. In conclusion, some open questions in the field are discussed. (AEF)

Evaluates the use and efficiency of two computer learning tools for basic virology. "VIROLAB" is a simulation of a biology laboratory which also includes a hypertext providing learners with some knowledge on virology. The Hypertext is a version of the hypertext in VIROLAB. The study examined which of the two was most efficient for knowledge…

Investigated the effects of presentation format (animation, still graphics, text) and the students' prior knowledge on learning a computer-based physics lesson in grades eight and nine. Results of an analysis of covariance indicated that specific presentation formats are not equally effective for the different prior knowledge groups. (Author/LRW)

Describes study which investigated peer interaction in relation to microcomputer use with 11- and 12-year-old children in a comprehensive secondary school in England. Highlights include the use of micro-PROLOG, a questionnaire to test students' attitudes towards computers, gender differences, and pretest and posttest results. (LRW)

Describes a computer simulation game and database package, "Palestine in the First Century," developed for upper primary and secondary school religious education in Scotland and designed for use on a microcomputer with a printer. The effect of this type of software on the role of teachers and students is considered. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the evaluation of educational software designed for use with microcomputers, and emphasizes the need for criteria based on learning theories rather than technological considerations. A review of the literature highlights teacher training in software selection and predictive evaluation, and 49 references are included. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of teachers' acceptance of educational innovations focuses on a study of primary teachers which was conducted in London to determine their use of microcomputers in the classroom. Topics discussed include attribution theory, causal structures, differences between competence and confidence, curricular implementation, and implications for…

Discusses summative and formative evaluation methods used and problems encountered in the study of LOGICLANDIA, a courseware package for the teaching and learning of predicate logic in Italian secondary schools. The evaluation process had three phases: subjective, in-house prototypes, and field testing. Results produced revisions in courseware…

Compares collaborative problem solving by learners sitting side-by-side with computer-mediated learning at a distance. Three aspects are studied: high school students' problem- solving strategies and interpretation of the teaching situation; their use of components of the situation; and the cognitive processes involved in understanding domain…

Discusses information technology and its effects on developmental psychology and children's education. Topics discussed include a theory of child-computer interaction (CCI); programing; communication and computers, including electronic mail; cognitive science; artificial intelligence; modeling the user-system interaction; and the future of…

Discusses the state of desktop publishing (DTP) in education today and describes the weaknesses of the systems available for use in the classroom. Highlights include document design and layout; text composition; graphics; word processing capabilities; a comparison of commercial and educational DTP packages; and skills required for DTP. (four…

This paper illustrates a 5-year case study (from 2001 to 2005) regarding a course in educational technology that involved from 100 to 150 student teachers per year for a total of more than 500 trainees. Since the first version of the course, which was entirely based on a face-to-face approach, computer mediated collaborative learning techniques…

Presents results of a survey of British secondary school students which was conducted to obtain information about microcomputer use both in school and at home. Highlights include gender differences, students' attitudes toward computers, experience with computers, assessment of programming ability, and characteristics of competent programmers. (LRW)

Discussion of the evaluation of courseware focuses on a study conducted to evaluate the Health and Fitness Assessment (HAFA) program, which was designed to elicit problem solving skills to assess health and fitness parameters and develop exercise prescriptions. Protocol analysis is described and the analysis of interpretive statements is…

Describes an educational computer network, SuperInterface, that could be used for telestudy for university education. Topics discussed include computer-supported collaborative work; computer-based learning; multimedia databases, or electronic books; human-machine interfaces; hardware, software, and groupware; learners; teachers; organizations and…