Explores the nature of the relationships between gender, categories of computer use, and attitudes toward computers in a computer-enriched university environment where students had network access and laptop computers over a four-year period. Results indicate women were less positive about computers than men and their use levels were less frequent.…

Critical examination of reviews of the literature on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) compares and evaluates three traditional and 13 quantitative reviews. Synthesis of the findings indicates that typical effect of CAI is to raise outcome measures by 0.42 standard deviation units, placing average students at 66th percentile of control group…

Formulates sequential rules for adapting the appropriate amount of instruction to learning needs in the context of computer-based instruction. Topics include Bayesian decision theory, threshold and linear-utility structure, psychometric model, optimal sequential number of test questions, and an empirical example of sequential instructional…

Describes a study that measured preschoolers' use of microcomputers in the following areas: (1) efficiency of use of input devices, including the keyboard, the joystick, and the mouse; (2) use during free-play activities, including interaction with the microcomputer and with each other; and (3) gender differences. (40 references) (LRW)

Considers the effects of learner control in computer-assisted instruction based on literature reviews and a meta analysis of 24 studies. Results suggest that learner control has little if any effect on students, and further research is recommended. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that used a computer as a research tool to investigate the role of questioning in the way information is used and interpreted. The effects of self-generated questions, external higher order questions, and external lower order questions on thinking processes are examined. (35 references) (LRW)

Describes the process used to develop two examinations, an achievement test of computer literacy and a computer anxiety index. Highlights include a definition of computer literacy, determination of the validity and reliability of the tests, and a study to evaluate the final versions of the tests. (Author/LRW)

Surveys current state-of-the-art in courseware development for microcomputers; discusses guidelines for overall program and screen display design; describes three major approaches to developing courseware--programing language, authoring system, or authoring language use; and reviews two current research areas--automated instructional development…

Discussion of the time needed to create computer-based instruction focuses on descriptive analyses of production data gathered from novice instructional designers and novice authors who used a commercial authoring system to produce computer-based lessons. Production ratios are explained, and future research plans are discussed. (Contains five…

Describes two experiments conducted with Australian high school students that investigated the use of self-contained, screen-based material for learning new computer application programs as opposed to using manuals and computer screen information that requires split-attention. Discusses redundancy and the need to reduce extraneous cognitive load.…

Describes a study that investigated the reliability, factorial validity, and fit to a unidimensional model of the Computer Attitude Scale based on pretests and posttests from 265 teachers who participated in training on classroom applications of computer hardware and software. Discussion includes computer anxiety, efficiency, liking, and…

Presents a meta-analysis of research concerning the effectiveness of learner control in tutorial computer-assisted instruction based on a model of control as decision making plus information. Results are discussed which suggest that instructional design in learner control research should be based on model building rather than hypothesis testing.…

Reports the results of the U.S. portion of a 1989 survey of elementary and secondary schools conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) that focused on school and teacher practices in using microcomputers. Highlights include hardware, instructional uses, goals for computer use, and software…

Describes research that investigated the effectiveness of computer-based instruction (CBI) in support of mastery learning based on a study of 333 undergraduate students who used a CBI system called Management Information Systems Tutor (MIST). Student performance and time on task are examined. (Author/LRW)

Examines the effects of such variables as socioeconomic status (SES), school size, grade span, type of computer, and student to computer ratio on the implementation of microcomputers. Analysis of a random sample of 128 elementary schools indicates that SES and student to computer ratio have the strongest impact on implementation. (Author/LRW)