Learning to read requires knowledge of word meanings for those words most commonly encountered in basic reading materials. Many young students lack the basic vocabulary knowledge needed to facilitate learning to read. Two randomized studies were conducted to test the effects of an online, computer-adaptive vocabulary instruction program designed…

Defines basic concept courseware as educational software dealing with language concepts for young children, details problems with current courseware evaluation systems, and outlines contents of the basic concept courseware evaluation form included in the appendix. Teacher evaluation and learner evaluation of the courseware are included. (12…

Outlines an approach to develop a computer program that can parse beginner-level English in BASIC through input processing, word matching, and phrase structure parsing. (CB)

Five experiments were carried out to gain insight into foreign language learning as it takes place in the classroom environment, and to create optimal learning conditions for beginning Swedish-speaking learners of English as a Foreign Language. The experiments examined receptive and productive comprehension of English vocabulary in…

Discusses some of the possibilities for using Apple II computers to teach young children basic skills and enhance their computer literacy. Reviews 14 pieces of software from seven different publishers. Provides the name and address of the publisher, along with a description of each program and its capabilities. (TW)

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 22 titles deal with the following topics: computer-assisted instruction; school characteristics and reading achievement; the process of reading acquisition; on-task behavior, teacher involvement, and reading achievement; the…