Reviews research to determine whether the use of computers in classrooms is effective. Highlights include differences in research methodology; meta-analyses; critical reviews; differences between computer-assisted (CAI), computer-managed (CMI), and computer-enhanced instruction (CEI); and the role of research. Contains 86 references. (LRW)

Proceedings from a June 1984 sympoisum on special education technology are presented in this document. A background paper on "Technology Trends in Special Education" (C. Blaschke) deals with microcomputer use, telecommunicaton systems, videodiscs communication aids and adaptive devices, and makes projections for instructional and…

A meta-analysis was conducted of 29 comparative studies located primarily through computer searches of Comprehensive Dissertation Abstracts and ERIC. Studies chosen took place in actual elementary classrooms, reported measured outcomes for both computer-based education and control classes, and were free from methodological flaws. A total of 21…

Documents the design, development, and evaluation of a computer-managed spelling system for use with microcomputers in elementary schools. A comparison of this new technology with more conventional instruction, which indicated its greater effectiveness and economy, is also described, and implications for the future of computers in education are…

Describes a meta-analysis of 42 controlled evaluations on effectiveness of computer-based education (CBE) in secondary schools. Results indicate computer-assisted and managed instruction and CBE used with disadvantaged students was generally effective, while computer-enriched instruction was less effective in raising student examination scores.…

Three major educational revolutions have been the advent of writing, the use of books as teaching tools, and the shift in educational responsibility from the home to the school. The fourth revolution, which is based on the use of electronic technology in teaching, began with programmed teaching machines, individualized instruction, and the…

This qualitative assessment of computer-based innovations found in current educational programs across a variety of academic institutions was designed to help administrators and faculty of educational institutions in making decisions about the nature, scope, and magnitude of computer facilities and learning materials that could benefit their…

This paper oriented for new researchers entering the field of CAI research discusses the research experience in this area, outlines some of the important computer requirements of CAI research, and proposes a conservative computer development strategy to meet those requirements. The development of PLATO and TICCIT are described as examples of the…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate college student attitudes toward the PHOENIX computer-based education system and to gauge the instructional effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) achievement and testing in a variety of disciplines in a university setting. Data for the study were obtained from 400 students enrolled in five…

Three adaptive models encompassing variations of instructional support, incentives, and context of presentations were developed and validated through eight separate studies which compared the teaching of statistics under computer-managed instruction or teacher-managed systems. Results indicate instructional support adaptations were effective, but…

This meta analysis of 101 studies of computer-based education in colleges highlights examination performance, student attitudes toward instruction and computers, the relationship of publication source to study outcome, and time needed for instruction. One hundred twenty-one references are listed. (Author/LRW)

This metaanalysis of 32 comparative studies shows that computer-based education has generally had positive effects on the achievement of elementary school pupils. However, these effects are different for off-line computer managed instruction and interactive computer assisted instruction (CAI); interactive CAI produces greater increases in student…

The second volume of a three-volume report on a three-year study of the use of computers in secondary school classrooms, this document contains the principal investigators' reports in five sub-project areas. The overall purpose of the project, which was conducted by the education faculty at the University of Western Ontario, was to examine the…