Describes results of a survey that was conducted to determine qualifications and roles of computer lab specialists in elementary schools. Integration of computer lab use and classroom instruction is discussed, the effect of microcomputers on student outcomes is examined, and the answers of the specialists are compared with those of classroom…

Discussion of the selection of appropriate statistical procedures by educators highlights a study conducted to investigate the effectiveness of decision aids in facilitating the use of appropriate statistics. Experimental groups and a control group using a printed flow chart, a computer-based decision aid, and a standard text are described. (11…

Summarizes the current status of the use of microcomputers in elementary and secondary schools in the Federal Republic of Germany. Curriculum development and research about computer science are described, the roles of technological advancement and education in economic advancement are discussed, and comparisons are made with other industrialized…

Discussion of the role of computers in teaching basic writers to write focuses on a study of college students that examined the quality of student essays produced with word processing versus paper and pencil, described the kinds of thinking evidenced, and investigated whether any differences were gender related. (20 references) (LRW)

Discusses the state of desktop publishing (DTP) in education today and describes the weaknesses of the systems available for use in the classroom. Highlights include document design and layout; text composition; graphics; word processing capabilities; a comparison of commercial and educational DTP packages; and skills required for DTP. (four…

Compares gains in reading rate and comprehension of students using traditional texts and those using a computer-based, commercially prepared, speed reading package. Offers recommendations for the use of computers in college reading courses, focusing on hardware/software needs and student/teacher responsibilities. (DMM)

Analyzes the responses to a questionnaire survey conducted at Liverpool University to determine the state of courseware development and the use of computer-based teaching (CBT) throughout the university. Highlights include the need for technical support; the need for collaboration and better communication to prevent duplication of effort; and time…

Describes a preliminary evaluation of classroom use of compact disc interactive (CD-I) and Commodore Dynamic Total Vision (CDTV) interactive media systems. Information is provided on the pedagogical, operational, and logistical characteristics of these media compared to interactive video. Problems of poorly designed or inappropriate software and…

Describes the Music in Education (MIE) laboratory, an interactive, computer-assisted general music education package manufactured by the Yamaha Corporation. Discusses the lesson modules, workstations, and electronic quizzes and feedback. Compares the benefits of computer-managed instruction to traditional music instruction, including creating a…

Describes a study that compared computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and a more traditional paper-and-pencil method in teaching mathematics skills to elementary school students with and without mild mental handicaps. Pretests and posttests were analyzed, and it was found that CAI, and extended practice, enhanced automatization of mathematics…

Compares methods of providing digital video in computer-based training. A tabulation of performance, quality, and cost is provided, and techniques of compression and decompression are described together with hardware and/or software needs. Networking digital video, and the impact of emerging standards on the development of future products are also…

Describes a study that was designed to examine whether the computer attitudes of graduate students in a beginning statistics course differed based on their prior computer experience and the type of statistical analysis package used. Versions of statistical analysis packages using a mainframe and a microcomputer are compared. (14 references) (LRW)

Reports on a study of college student preferences for learning from computer-based instruction screen designs representing four levels of screen density varied by the type of stimulus material and number of frames presented from a single lesson. The implications of the results for practice and research on computer screen design are discussed. (30…

A study compared the effectiveness of traditional and computer-simulation methods for teaching pharmacy financial management in continuing education. Retention of material was similar for the groups (n=26 and n=24 students, respectively), and similar amounts of time spent on financial management were found in a followup. Both methods were found…

Describes a quantitative study that examined the effectiveness of interactive video (IV) instruction by using a meta-analytic research review of the literature from 1978 to the present. Effect size as a function of study variables is examined, and test of homogeneity on effect sizes is discussed. (25 references) (LRW)