This study was conducted to determine effects of highlight and question placement in computer assisted instruction modules on untrained and trained objective test scores and attitudes of higher education students. Question and highlight use was superior to straight text; questions were superior for increasing untrained scores, but students…

Describes project which investigated the effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with pharmacology undergraduates and documented significant instructional interactions, using three treatment groups--CAI, CAI with lecture, and lecture. No significant differences in learning, retention, or attitude toward CAI were found. It was concluded that…

Ninth-grade learners used one of three versions of an interactive video lesson on basic economics theory, one based on knowledge strategy, one on context strategy, and a control version without embedded questions. Results indicated context strategy was as effective as knowledge strategy for teaching declarative knowledge and more effective for…

This study contrasted college-level computer assisted instruction modules with various ratios of higher cognitive to factual questions and highlights to determine the effectiveness of highlights and question formats. Results indicate that, regardless of the ratio of higher cognitive to factual questions, modules containing questions are superior…

Describes a study of undergraduate education students that investigated the use of corrective feedback in computer-directed instruction (CDI) and examined how different levels of feedback interacted with cognitive levels (i.e., interpretation and memory) for the mastery of mathematics. Implications for instructional designers are suggested. (17…

This study explored the effectiveness of "high" user-friendly instructional text editors versus "low" user-friendly editors in teaching word processing to adult females. Whether subjects having higher positive attitudinal scores toward technology would perform better with computerized instructional materials as facilitators for…

Describes study that examined the effects of presentation sequence of examples and example difficulty on undergraduate learning with computer-based instruction. Establishing example difficulty according to a generalization formula versus subject matter experts is discussed, and effects on time on task and the number of examples required are…

Describes research conducted with employees of the NCR Corporation that examined relationships between learning style preference, as measured by the Kolb Learning Style Inventory, and the effectiveness and acceptance of interactive video instruction to determine how best to individualize instruction. (13 references) (LRW)

Describes a survey of physics and physical science teachers in Iowa that was conducted to determine their use of microcomputers. Availability of computers and types of software used are examined, frequency of use and access to computer laboratories are investigated, and results are compared with those from earlier surveys. (seven references) (LRW)

Describes study that investigated the effects of well-designed computer-assisted instruction (CAI) versus poorly designed CAI on college students' computing behavior, quality of prewriting, and attitudes toward the instruction. Comparisons are made with paper versions of both CAI displays, and guidelines for CAI design are presented. (38…

Describes study of fourth and fifth grade students which explained the effect of graphics on student motivation in a microcomputer-based spelling drill program. The role of feedback in instruction is discussed, the impact of graphics on computer software is described, and results are analyzed. (4 references) (LRW)

Describes a study of undergraduates at Iowa State University that tested the effectiveness of a computer simulation of electric circuits used in combination with a conceptual change approach to science instruction. Erroneous preconceptions of scientific concepts are discussed, and the use of traditional text is compared with conceptual change…

Discussion of hypertext structures focuses on three studies of preservice teachers that assessed the effects of different methods of explicitly mapping expert knowledge structures onto hypertext on the acquisition of structural knowledge. Topics addressed include time on task, semantic networking, cognitive limitations of browsing behavior, and…

Describes a study that tested the applicability of the Tennyson-Cocchiarella concept teaching model for undergraduate nursing education, and investigated the effects of three different learner control strategies on concept learning. The computer-based concept lesson used is described, and effects on recall and retention are discussed. (33…

Describes a study of undergraduates that examined the effects of behavioral versus cognitive review strategies on learning outcomes and depth of processing during computer-based instruction. Near and far transfer learning are discussed, the use of locus of control is explained, and posttest differences are examined. (eight references) (LRW)