This paper reports on a qualitative study of students' engagement with a Web-based inquiry environment aimed at prompting student reflection in processes of scientific inquiry. In order to demonstrate how prompts become structuring resources for students' scientific inquiry, detailed analyses of students' interaction processes are conducted. The…

Writing is a recursive and complex set of cognitive processes that can be taught effectively to students with disabilities. Employing an adapted cognitive theory of writing, a broad view of what constitutes evidence, and the support of a variety of assistive and internet-based technologies, we developed a writing instructional program to meet the…

This study examines children's social responses to gender cues in synthesized speech in a computer-based instruction setting. Eighty 5th-grade elementary school children were randomly assigned to one of the conditions in a full-factorial 2 (participant gender) x 2 (voice gender) x 2 (content gender) experiment. Results show that children apply…

Intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) allows both student and program a flexibility resembling a one-on-one interaction between student and teacher. This paper reviews the components of artificial intelligence, describes the structure of ICAI systems, and examines the relative strengths and weaknesses of such systems. (MT)

When designing a computerized drill and practice lesson, the teacher should (1) select the content and processes of the lesson to match the content and processes of the initial instruction, (2) present a variety of stimulus presentations for an item, (3) select constructed or non-constructed response modes by the type and complexity of the…

Discussion of design principles in creating interactive video simulations for second-language learning focuses on two interactive video simulations on the Eurocentres Videodisc (ECVD). Four design principles are explained, instructional procedures involved in the ECVD are described, and learners' reactions are discussed. (four references) (LRW)

Elements of computer use in teaching are explored. They include equipment expense; availability of quality software; development of interactive instruction; use of graphics, color, flashing, and sound; learner response; and feedback. (CT)

Describes the use of microcomputer-based software in an introductory statistics course at Vanderbilt University. The use of Wingz spreadsheet and Data Desk statistics software is described, objectives for the course are explained, possible objections to computer-assisted instruction for statistics are addressed, and student reactions are reported.…

Describes three studies conducted at Pennsylvania State University to determine the effects on achievement and student satisfaction of various ratios of questions or highlights to text in computer assisted instruction (CAI) modules; question or highlight placement; and having questions or highlights on same or following page of target text. (MBR)

The use of overt answer construction in computer-based programmed instruction was studied. Four college students completed an instructional program that alternated between presenting frames with blanks requiring overt responses and complete frames without blanks. All students produced more correct answers corresponding to program segments that…

Investigates whether students perform best after using computer-based learning (CBL) courseware with three types of animation-control strategies: program control, linear control, and learner control. Results suggest that accommodating learners' individual differences in the design of computer-based learning lessons is an important concern. (AEF)

The two studies reported explored the feasibility of computer assisted composition in helping school-age children handle high-level aspects of the composing process. The results are discussed, and lines for future investigation of computer assisted writing programs for the novice are suggested. Eleven references and two additional sources are…

Describes a computer-based activity for middle school students called MarsQuest that was part of a NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) CERES (Center for Educational Resources) project. Discusses student responses; how teachers integrated the activity across the curriculum; instructional design; preplanning; and evaluating student…

The purpose of this study was to: identify critical characteristics of a situated learning environment from the extensive literature base on the subject; operationalize the critical characteristics of a situated learning environment by designing a multimedia program that incorporated the identified characteristics; and investigate university…

In 1999, the University of West Florida launched an online Instructional Technology master's program. Students enrolled in this online program can be divided into two groups: (1) "local" students who, for various reasons, prefer the online courses, and (2) students at a geographical distance. The purpose of this study was to identify…