Describes assessment procedures used to select winners of the EDUCOM/NCRIPTAL (National Center for Research to Improve Postsecondary Teaching and Learning) Higher Education Software Awards program; presents the evaluative criteria used for software assessment; and lists the award-winning software for 1987. (32 references) (LRW)

Describes four studies, one experimental and three comparative, that were conducted with university students to assess the instructional effectiveness of separate animated computer tutorials illustrating dynamic processes in microbiology. Results indicated a significant advantage for subjects in the animated condition as opposed to a contextual…

Reports on the introduction of a computer conferencing component into an engineering course at Deakin University (Australia) Results showed significant variations in computer usage that were correlated to student study mode, and on-campus students were more likely to agree that computers could assist their learning. (Author/LRW)

Analysis of data from two studies of undergraduates (n12 and n18) enrolled in a hypermedia-in-education course at West Virginia University determined that the group with more hypermedia knowledge more frequently cited nonlinear models, supporting the premise that students require hypermedia experience before they can use nonlinear information…

Describes a study that investigated the demographic characteristics of faculty who require and who do not require the use of computers in courses they teach. The utilization of computers for specific purposes is examined, perceived obstacles to computer integration into the curriculum are discussed, and the instructional materials used are…

Examines the pedagogic usefulness of the computer by focusing on changes in student attitudes and use of computers in a computer-enriched environment using data from a longitudinal study at Wake Forest University. Results indicate that a networked institution where students have easy access can foster positive attitudes. (Author/LRW)

Introduces a method for gathering process information related to computer simulations and examines changes in learners' responses as a means of understanding the kind of learning that occurs within the simulations. Data gathered from 87 undergraduate education majors using simulations that teach the application of behavior analysis procedures for…

Describes a computer-based simulation model that can be used for the training of higher education administrators. Simulation games as instructional and training models are discussed; weighted alternatives used in the model are explained; validation is discussed; and the architecture of the computer simulation is described. (10 references) (LRW)

This study highlights what preservice teachers learned about elementary school gender-equity issues from interacting with a HyperStudio stack. Qualitative and quantitative evidence shows how it positively affected preservice teachers' interests in, attitudes about, and awareness and knowledge of gender-equity issues. (Author/LRW)

Describes study of undergraduates that examined relationships between types of feedback and learning styles in computer-based instruction. The three treatment conditions that varied in access to feedback are described, analyses of posttests and retention tests are presented, and the age of learners as a factor in learner control effect is…

A learning style inventory was administered to 68 undergraduates enrolled in a course on computer applications in education. Correlation of these data with grades on class projects and exams indicated that students with high abstract sequential ability had higher performance scores, and learners with a dominance in abstract random style had lower…

Describes and discusses how simulation activities can be used in teacher education to augment the traditional field-experience approach, focusing on artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and intelligent tutoring systems. Includes an overview of simulation as a teaching and learning strategy and specific examples of high-technology simulations…

A study of college students revealed weaknesses in learning strategies and metacognitive skills. The students' experience using LOOPS simulation software to create program loops suggests that computer programming coursework may have substantial value for non-majors. (LRW)

Describes a study that compared the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and lecture approaches in teaching vocal anatomy and function to 60 undergraduate music students with different learning styles. Highlights include background on learning styles, implications for the use of CAI with various learning styles, and recommendations…

Discussion of emerging educational technologies focuses on a case study of college students that was conducted to observe the effects of using computer-mediated communication and appropriate groupware as a teaching tool. Highlights include effects on the students, the structure of the classroom, and interpersonal interactions. (Contains 29…