Cooperative learning has been proven to be helpful in enhancing the learning performance of students. The goal of a cooperative learning group is to maximize all members' learning, which is accomplished via promoting each other's success, through assisting, sharing, mentoring, explaining, and encouragement. To achieve the goal of cooperative…

Presents a methodology for characterizing computer-based learning environments that focuses on cognitive, pedagogical, and interactive features. Discusses the framework for this characterization in relation to relevant theories and findings in cognitive and instructional research. Figures and tables display results of a systematic examination of…

Examines characteristics of 50 frequently cited authors in the field of computer applications to education (CAE). Citation analysis used in the study is discussed, a taxonomy of topics in CAE based upon the writings of these authors is developed, and a comparison is made with data from the Social Science Citation Index. (LRW)

Examines and compares the ways in which teachers in two school systems in Indiana think about computers and actually use them for instruction. Guidelines are provided that suggest what school systems could do to make a stronger commitment to instructional computing. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Describes attempts to validate the expert system, CBT Analyst, which is designed to help training managers make decisions about computer-based training (CBT). Conclusions reached by CBT experts on case studies for five decision areas are compared with those of the expert system, and internal and external validity are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Critical examination of reviews of the literature on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) compares and evaluates three traditional and 13 quantitative reviews. Synthesis of the findings indicates that typical effect of CAI is to raise outcome measures by 0.42 standard deviation units, placing average students at 66th percentile of control group…

Results of a project at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln showed that computer-assisted instruction (using the PLATO system) and tutorial methods were somewhat more effective than the traditional library orientation tour for teaching card catalog skills, but that cost-benefit considerations restrict their further development for large-scale use.…

In presenting lessons in music theory by computer-assisted instruction, response-sensitive programing results in greater achievement than response-insensitive programing. (Author)

Uses Markovian analyses to compare the search patterns of novice and experienced searchers using an experimental computer-based instruction and assistance system for Lockheed's DIALOG. This system was developed by the Individualized Instruction for Data Access (IIDA) project at Drexel University. Eleven references are listed. (JL)

Describes a study that compared three graduate level hypermedia courses and investigated whether a certain sequence or specific content might affect students' attitudes toward hypermedia. Authorware-based courses are compared with HyperCard-based courses, and the use of the Stages of Concern Questionnaire is discussed. (LRW)

Studies the effects of varying levels of interactivity on the learning rate of 98 high school students using four increasingly interactive versions of computer-based interactive video instruction. Students are grouped by ability levels and results are compared for recall rate, instructional time, and acquisition rate. Twenty-two references are…

Describes a study of 36 college juniors at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to contrast how well students learn new concepts from working with a partner versus working individually on a computer-based lesson. Highlights include types of feedback chosen and an analysis of verbal interactions. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study of undergraduates that compared the effectiveness of three instructional delivery systems: printed materials, a computer-based multimedia program, and a multimedia modified intelligent tutoring system. Research variables are discussed, and the effect of repetition of instructional testing material is explored. (Contains 24…

Reports results of a study of the relative effectiveness of two library orientation/instruction methods--computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and a traditional library tour. Test scores and cost data for the two approaches are compared, and three CAI cost models are described. A significant cost advantage for offering CAI orientation/instruction is…