Finds that, in a multicomponent, computer-supported study environment, students using the computer study tools demonstrated a substantial performance advantage; however, they limited their activities almost exclusively to reviewing multiple-choice questions, and tended to be students with higher grade point averages who were prone to use…

Presents the first year's results of a continuing project to monitor the availability of software of relevance for literacy education purposes. Concludes there is an enormous amount of software available for use by teachers of reading and literacy--whereas drill-and-practice software is the largest category of software available, large numbers of…

Considers how good phonics instruction should encourage children to recognize rimes and to identify an unfamiliar word by blending its onset with the rime that follows. Discusses seven conclusions/implications for phonics software derived from research into phonics instruction. (SG)

Describes how the computer can support the study process of students variously described as "multivariate, nonlinear thinkers,""dyslexic,""learning disabled," and "purple people." Describes features of a Macintosh program called "Inspiration" that enables easy test entry and manipulation in a graphic mode, placing emphasis on the considerable…

Argues educators need to identify software that will effectively support children with reading difficulties. Discusses: why computers should be used to aid struggling readers; what makes good software and why; and what software to select for classroom use. Contains an evaluation device that can be used by educators selecting software for classroom…

Provides a rationale for and describes the use of computer-based outlining programs as tools for studying material in content area textbooks. Describes its implementation in two high school global studies classes, focusing on students performing in the lower third of each class. (SR)

Reviews empirical studies that have reported the effects of academic interventions with students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Reviews intervention in the general categories of peer tutoring, computer-assisted instruction, task and instructional modifications, and strategy training. Finds peer tutoring and task…

Reviews specific ways in which computers can support the basic transcription processes involved in writing, focusing on computer applications that go beyond word processing, including spelling and grammar checkers, speech synthesis, word prediction, and speech recognition. Focuses only on writing mechanics, and clarifies the extent to which…

Explores the relationship between practice at reading, student reading performance, and organizational features using data from a computer-assisted student self-assessment of reading comprehension program (The Accelerated Reader). Finds student reading ability strongly positively related to amount of in-school reading practice; amount of reading…

A quasi-experimental action research evaluated a program for computerized self-assessment of reading comprehension (The Accelerated Reader) in two schools in severely socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Finds the program, even when less than fully implemented, yielded gains in reading achievement superior to gains from regular classroom…