Online dialogic communities have become a ubiquitous tool that transforms student learning and course delivery. Threaded Discussions extend classroom learning by providing an asynchronous method of communication for the exchange of meaningful ideas that promote critical thinking and develop thoughtful reflective learning. Threaded Discussions…

Reports on a study being conducted by the Jefferson County Public Schools (Colorado) that implements a digital time-shared computer as support for a systems approach to instruction. (Author/ER)

Suggests two approaches to using computers: (1) to institute centralized facilities for an entire school district to which students are bussed when necessary, and (2) to use moveable minicomputers within schools for those applications which absolutely require "in-class" computer use. (VT)

This survey of the use of computer assisted instruction in schools for the deaf identified 34 systems with a total of 408 terminals, predominantly in elementary and secondary schools for the deaf; 28 of these computer systems are strictly used for CAI. (Author/JEG)

We present a new highly interactive computer animation tool to increase the mathematical skills of deaf children. We aim at increasing the effectiveness of (hearing) parents in teaching arithmetic to their deaf children, and the opportunity of deaf children to learn arithmetic via interactive media. Using state-of-the-art computer animation…

Emphasis in instructional technology has shifted from programed to individualized to computer-based instruction. Programed and individualized instruction have had limited success in raising student achievement and improving attitudes, while computer-based instruction has raised achievement, positively affected time needed for teaching and…

Discusses the use of multimedia technology in multicultural elementary and secondary school classrooms. Highlights include types of multimedia technology, including hypermedia, voice/sound digitizers, scanners, CD-ROMs, videodiscs, and other video equipment; lesson plans for teachers; ideas for student group projects; and sources for multimedia…

Describes a study that investigated teachers' use of technology, particularly computers, within their curriculum. Examined influences of mini-grants, inservice or post-graduate education, personal and administrative commitment, time for taking classes, and classroom computer access on technology integration. A copy of the questionnaire used is…

Provides an overview of research on the effectiveness of microcomputer applications with at-risk students and suggests that many findings in the literature are questionable because of flaws in research methodology. Issues relating to measurement, learning environment, computer utilization, gender, and socioeconomic status are addressed, and…

Describes how computer hardware and software changed during the 1980s, and the influence of these changes on students and on how teachers integrate computers into the classroom. Recommendations for preservice and inservice teacher education are given, and possible future developments for hardware, software, student learning, and teacher…

Reports findings of analysis of teacher evaluation forms completed during a statewide project in Indiana to evaluate microcomputer software in public schools. Comparisons between groups of teachers based on factors of either prior experience with software or amount of time invested in evaluation are described, and 31 references are provided. (LRW)

Discusses a review of research studies on gender differences in computer-based education that revealed significant discrepancies between equality of access and performance outcomes for female and male users. Highlights include the proposed future of education and technology; math anxiety; influence of family; gender bias in software; and influence…

Much of traditional schooling in America is built around systems of compliance and control, characteristics which stifle the creative and entrepreneurial instincts of the children who are subjected to these tactics. This article explores a different approach to education, one that involves capturing the interest of the student through the use of…

Describes and evaluates costs of hardware, software, training, and maintenance for computer assisted instruction (CAI) as they relate to total system cost. An example of an educational system provides an illustration of CAI cost analysis. Future developments, cost effectiveness, affordability, and applications in public and private environments…