Presents a study of multimedia technology used for teaching mathematics. Discussion includes tentative conclusions about the merits of different styles of multimedia; three of the most popular multimedia modules and their use; and features that seem to distinguish multimedia and computer-based lessons. (10 references) (KRN)

Describes the production of a computer-aided, self-testing system for university students enrolled in a first-year course in biological psychology. Project aspects described include selection, acquisition and description of software; question banks and test structures; modes of use (computer or printed version); evaluation; and future plans. (11…

Describes a longitudinal study of college students in the United Kingdom that examined factors affecting computer use. Results show situational factors, including access, training, and time, affect student computer use, but academic staff tend to focus on the needs of their department and should focus more on the student perspective. (Author/LRW)

Framed by current concerns about boys' attainment in literacy, this paper investigates the potential of talking books software to support the literacy development of male beginning readers. The study primarily considered whether typically developing boys who showed lower levels of attainment in phonological awareness would show a greater degree of…

Psychology students at the University of Southampton use "skywriting," an e-mail based discussion medium involving tutors and students and focusing on issues arising from course content. This article discusses student participation in skywriting; examines effects of gender, computer attitudes, and computer experience; compares student…

Discussion of research on computers in education in The Netherlands focuses on the development of a national plan for research. The organization of educational research in The Netherlands is explained, experimental programs among groups of schools are described, and research themes for the future are suggested. (six references) (LRW)

Reports on the graphing work of children, aged eight and nine years, who have access to portable computers across the curriculum. Describes two learning sequences: in one, the children collected data and then explored the computer graphing facilities; and in the other, graphing is used iteratively as an integral part of the ongoing task.…

Considers the impact of information technology (IT) on children's learning in schools with particular reference to two studies that examined the value of using IT. Discussion includes the difficulties of evaluating IT effectiveness and some explanations for the insignificant impact of IT in the studies. (13 references) (KRN)

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…

Discussion of the collaborative use of computers in the classroom highlights the National Curriculum in the United Kingdom. Literature is reviewed which tends to support the generalization that the use of computers in groups leads to positive educational gains, and teacher attitudes are explored. (45 references) (LRW)

Describes a pilot study aimed at exploring the possibility of introducing simulation-based homework into junior high school ninth grade science classes studying electric circuits. Analyzes students' views in relation to their prior computer experience and their achievement, and discusses results from questionnaires and interviews that show…

Compares a multimedia package for teaching about the phases of the moon to grade 8 (12-year-old) students with a conventional three-dimensional modeling approach. Results show both methods were equally effective in terms of student learning, for male and female students, and prior computer experience was not a factor in multimedia use. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study conducted at the University of Western Sydney (Australia) that investigated primary student teachers' use of computers with children in schools and factors that contributed to that use. Home use and supervising teachers' use of computers are cited as significant factors, and implications for course design are suggested. (13…

Presents the main design issues of a distance learning course on Business on the Internet. The instructional design is based on a learner-centered strategy which allows learners to construct their own knowledge while solving real business problems and transferring their knowledge to other learners. (AEF)

Explores gender differences in the use of computer-mediated communication in a specific learning context by a small group of postgraduate distance learners and their tutors at the University of Sheffield. Uses content analysis of online dialog to investigate learning and socioemotional behavior. (Author/LRW)