The article argues that we make best use of learning technologies if we begin with an understanding of educational problems, and use this analysis to target the solutions we should be demanding from technology. The focus is to address the issue from the perspective of teachers and lecturers (the "teaching community"), and to consider how…

Describes how a major university has marshaled its resources to take advantage of new and emerging electronic technologies in order to provide high-quality learning environments for students. Discusses the organizational structure and staff of several resource units along with their respective objectives and presents sample projects. (Author/AEF)

Chronicles the development of a writing course into a G1 online course, which provides students with handouts and links to developmental education sites. Outlines the recommended processes for effective writing: prewriting, drafting, editing, and presenting. Provides links to the course Web site for others interested in adding an online component…

Computer uses in the classroom is the theme topic of this journal issue. Contents include: "Emo Welzl: 1995 Leibniz Laureate" (Hartmut Wewetzer); "Learning to Read with the Aid of a Computer: Research Project with Children Starting School" (Horst Meermann); "The Multimedia School: The Comenius Pilot Project" (Tom Sperlich); "A Very Useful Piece of…

The article examines the potential impact of computer-based text technologies, called hypermedia, on disabled readers. Discussed are hypertext, the hypercard, and implications of metacognitive research (such as author versus user control over text manipulations), instructional implications, and instructional text engineering. (DB)

Responds to doubts expressed by critics of media and technology in education, specifically contentions that no data supports the conclusion that technology causes gains in achievement, that school districts cut programs to make room for computers with no evidence they improve teaching and learning, and that computers are tools to learn from rather…

While the World Wide Web receives most of the publicity, another aspect of the Internet also draws considerable attention. IRC, more formally referred to as Internet Relay Chat, provides a means by which one user can type a message in real time to one or more Internet users, and almost instantaneously, the message appears on the monitors of all…

Discusses the evaluation of the usefulness of multimedia materials in medical education. Approaches the issue by looking at the nature of the knowledge that medical professionals are expected to acquire and relating that knowledge to what multimedia applications have to offer. Multimedia applications must also be analyzed for whether they can…

Studies the effects of computer-generated lecture material by using two groups of students and their examination scores. The first group was presented with still computer graphics for four weeks, then returned to traditional materials for a second four weeks. The second group used traditional materials first, followed by the computer graphics.…

This paper presents a review of the literature regarding use of computers in elementary social studies and a rationale of how computer usage aligns with the constructivist approach to education. Computer use in elementary social studies can be divided into three broad categories: (1) instructional software; (2) productive software; and (3)…

The importance of sound instructional design and planning is stressed in this article on the application of hypermedia to intervention with language handicapped children. Hypermedia is defined, its applications on various microcomputers are described, features for speech-language applications are identified, and a model for instructional…

Attempts to clarify misconceptions regarding the character and goals of learning technology and puts it in perspective, relative to its role in the Learning Communication Model and its importance in the contemporary and future learning environment. Defines educational, instructional, and learning technology. (Author/AEF)

Quality in distance education and open learning is the theme of this collection of five papers. The first is a compilation of outlines of Charles Sturt University (New South Wales, Australia) innovative teaching projects contributed by project leaders or team members. Quality initiatives are described in a range of disciplines. In seeking to…

Describes efforts of Florence-Darlington Technical College (South Carolina) to improve academic programs through the development and implementation of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Includes results from a study investigating four variables of student performance in CAI and traditional lecture sections for five courses. Reports mixed results…

This paper reports on student reaction to the use of computer programs in political science courses during 1991-1995 at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The courses were junior-senior level courses, except for the honors section. Three types of software were used: (1) simulations; (2) Internet materials; and (3) data processing software…