Discusses usability engineering for multimedia learning environments and considers how it can benefit the design and development of educational software. Describes the design and development of interactive multimedia software for second-language learning that included input from users and field testing for usability. (Author/LRW)

Describes research that used three groups in a quasiexperimental approach to assess the combined impact of teacher teaming and computer technology on ninth-grade student grade point averages. Results indicate the need for computer technology to become an inclusive part of instruction rather than an added feature. (Author/LRW)

Describes an instructional design model for hypertext, the Explorer's Hypertext Story Model, which is structured around components based on a story or narrative structure. Topics discussed include learner motivation; navigation in hypertext; learner control; and the importance of understanding information in context. (34 references) (LRW)

Provides an overview of the articles in this special issue, which deals with the portability, or transferability, of educational computer software. Motivations for portable software relating to cost, personnel, and time are discussed, and factors affecting portability are described, including technical factors, educational factors, social/cultural…

Discusses factors that must be considered when designing educational software for international, multicultural use. Basic design principles are examined, including graphics and content; system factors are described, including language; cultural differences are discussed; instructional strategies are considered; and the software development process…

Describes the development of a Web-based literacy learning software application called Technology Enhanced Learning Environment on the Web (TELE-Web) that was developed based on an existing literacy program for elementary school students with mild disabilities. Explores how technology is affected by literacy practices in educational contexts.…

A classification scheme was developed and implemented for the study of 436 educational Web sites focusing on mathematics, science, and technology learning. Results indicate that many educational Web sites are still predominantly text-based and do not yet exhibit evidence of current pedagogical approaches. Suggestions for future Web-based learning…

Describes a study that used meta-analysis to compare the academic achievement during a 12-year period of secondary students who were instructed through traditional methods, traditional methods supplemented with computer-assisted instruction (CAI), or CAI alone. Results were compared with earlier research and indicate that the effect of CAI on…

Discussion of educational innovations and their implementation highlights a study of school principals in Washington State that was conducted to determine whether the microcomputer is similar or fundamentally different to other educational innovations. Attitudes toward the educational use of microcomputers were examined as well as relationships…

Discussion of computer programing and students' cognitive styles focuses on a study that explored the relationship between the cognitive styles and achievements of high school students in an introductory computer programing course. Reflective and impulsive cognitive styles are described, and implications for the design of instructional materials…

Presents a review of literature on programing in Logo, including prerequisites of programing, cognitive effects of programing, stages of programing, and levels of programing expertise. An analysis of the literature establishes the need for operationalizing problem solving with Logo, and a research strategy to meet this need is suggested. (32…

Describes eight conditions that facilitate the adoption, implementation, and institutionalization of educational technology innovations and suggests applications to the transfer of portable software. Applications of these conditions involving educational technology in Indonesia, Chile, and Peru are evaluated, and guidelines for successful…

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…

Discussion of courseware development focuses on a transaction shell approach that stresses flexibility and reusability of the courseware. Topics discussed include high-level programing languages, authoring languages, authoring systems, knowledge structures, and knowledge acquisition; and an example for applying the transaction shell approach to…

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)