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)

This study compared the effects of using voice mail (v-mail) to electronic mail (e-mail) over the Internet to provide student feedback using Media Richness Theory (MRT) and Social Presence Theory (SPT) as the theoretical framework. MRT and SPT would predict that v-mail would be perceived as higher than e-mail in media richness and social presence.…

This study focused on using technology to supplement a phonics based reading program. The research took place in a transition class (a class between kindergarten and first grade for students who are not mature enough for first grade but who do not need to repeat kindergarten) in Knox County (Tennessee) Schools. The class was divided into two…

Concludes that the fact that fifth-grade students comprehended computer-displayed chunked passages better than passages displayed in the traditional format indicates that the display device, the CRT, really made no difference in student performance. (FL)

Describes a study of fifth graders that investigated whether students who compose on the computer write expository texts of longer length, and of better quality, than students composing by hand. Results indicate that the computer alone is not the key to facilitating highly proficient writing. (LRW)

Describes a study of elementary school students grades three though six that compared two methods of keyboarding instruction, one that used a tutorial computer program and one that involved the teacher and lesson plans. Results indicate the more teacher-intensive method was more efficient and effective than the computer program. (LRW)

This experimental study used graduate student participants to investigate the comparative perceptibility of hypertext navigation buttons in various configurations, using pictorial symbols and text labels. Findings indicate that buttons with both pictorial symbols and text labels resulted in significantly less user confusion. (Author/LRW)

To evaluate the effectiveness of a hypermedia learning package about the Middle Ages, two groups of seventh graders completed either instructional worksheets with a book, or a hypermedia package. No differences were found between the two groups in the number of questions completed, questions answered correctly, interest in material, or task…

Compared the effects of grouping sixth grade students with different levels of persistence on their ability to learn in cooperative learning groups while working at the computer. Reports results that indicated that average persisters interacted more than either high or low persisters and discusses implications for forming effective cooperative…

Discussion of the evaluation of educational software highlights two evaluation methods: (1) the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES), a criterion-based evaluation, and (2) a field-testing approach developed at York University. Guidelines for the field-testing approach include an emphasis on the observation of students. (22…

Provides a comparison of four database management programs commonly used in schools: AppleWorks, the DOS 3.3 and ProDOS versions of PFS, and MECC's Data Handler. Topics discussed include information storage, spelling checkers, editing functions, search strategies, graphs, printout formats, library applications, and HyperCard. (LRW)

A study compared the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction and direct instruction in promoting simple number estimation skills in a group of eight children with moderate learning problems. Results showed that both approaches are associated with direct and transfer gains durable over four weeks. (MSE)

Compares lecture, video, and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to identify which method produces more immediate and long-term recall of the information presented in an introductory college mass communications course. Findings showed that CAI and lecture formats seemed to provide better opportunity for immediate recall, although no single method…

Investigates the effects of single- and multiple-window displays on the achievement of fourth-grade students during computer-assisted instruction by applying research-based window design guidelines. Results showed that, although there were no differences in window use, high ability students in the single window treatment demonstrated higher…