Learning how to transform an empty space into one alive with dramatic possibilities is one of the challenges facing students in several disciplines--for example, graphic design, filmmaking, gaming, architecture, interior design, visual arts, and designing and directing for the theatre. The author, a professor of directing for the theatre,…

A visual regression analysis using the least absolutes method (LAB) was developed, utilizing an interactive approach of visually minimizing the sum of the absolute deviations (SAB) using a bar graph in Excel; the results agree very well with those obtained from nonvisual LAB using a numerical Solver in Excel. These LAB results were compared with…

Microcomputer based laboratory activities have been suggested to have a number of benefits in science education. However, their implementation produces mixed results, and student perception data have in the past yielded responses that are negative regarding the technology. This work presents a case study of three first year undergraduate chemistry…

This study examined the question of the relationship between the modality used to administer a final exam and the student outcomes achieved on the final exam in online university courses. This question directly addressed the issues of 1) the ongoing and dynamic growth of online university offerings and 2) the need for online universities to employ…

Grade earned and class attendance records were examined to determine if posting PowerPoint notes on a web-based course management system was related to enhanced performance or increased absences. There were no differences in either grades or absences between classes that had notes posted and those that did not. However, results indicated…

Software to support teaching and learning activities was added to a computer mediated communications system to create a "virtual classroom." The goals included improving access to and effectiveness of college-level courses, particularly by facilitating collaborative learning. The process and outcomes were compared for sections of several…

Describes study conducted to assess the ability of first grade students to interpret and use computer-generated pictures. Differences in physical attributes between computer-generated and traditional picture formats and their effect on children's ability to interpret and process information contained in the pictures are discussed. (six references)…

Describes a study of students at Buffalo State College that was conducted to compare achievement results between a class taught with computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and one taught without CAI. Computer attitudes are examined, sex differences are discussed, and pretest and posttest scores are analyzed. (17 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the use of computers as research tools to analyze the writing process focuses on a microcomputer-based software program, Recording WordStar. Studies using the software are described, including comparisons of traditional writing methods with word processing methods and utilization of the software's ability to play back a composition…

This investigation of the effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on the performance of elementary students in the area of language arts skills compared the performance of students receiving CAI with that of students receiving only regular classroom instruction. Two software programs were created for use in the study. Word Breaker, designed…

This report profiles the development, implementation, and evaluation of an interactive videodisc-based (IVD) program, Physical Sciences: Discovery through Interactive Technology. Developed by the Texas Learning Technology Group (TLTG), the program is a comprehensive, 160-hour, two-semester curriculum for secondary school students that integrates…

A study of the effects of microcomputer use in classrooms and homes on the growth of school-readiness skills of kindergartners used pre- and posttested experimental and control groups to assess reading readiness, mathematics readiness, Piagetian operations, and keyboard knowledge. Teacher implementation strategies and techniques used by nonreaders…

Describes the development of an instructional technology-based training course for a Hewlett Packard manufacturing plant. The environment, an appropriately trained staff, and a development strategy with measurable goals are discussed; a comparison of conventional training with self-paced courseware is described; and learning effectiveness and…

This study examined ways in which two independent variables, peer collaboration and the use of a specific tool (the TAPS interface), work together and individually to shape students' problem-solving processes. More specifically, the researchers were interested in determining how collaboration and TAPS use cause metacognitive processes to differ…

A comparison of the performance of two groups of third grade students practicing division problems is used to assess the effect of a commercial computer-assisted instruction drill program on learning. The progress of the experimental group (using computers) is compared with that of a group using conventional print drill practice. (20 references)…