Presents a checklist for evaluating commercially available mapping software. Analyzes software features by general categories including range of map types, availability and flexibility of data files, and program evaluation. Discusses ease of operation, the manual, tutorial, screens and help, error handling, design flexibility, hard copy output,…

Introduces and demonstrates a quick-prototyping model for educational software development that can be used by teachers developing their own courseware using an object-oriented programming system. Development of a courseware package called "The Match-Maker" is explained as an example that uses HyperCard for quick prototyping. (Contains…

Discusses technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) in the United Kingdom developed under the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP) and the Computers in Teaching Initiatives (CTI) Centre for Modern Languages. The use of technology for computer-assisted language learning, the integration of technology, and courseware development are…

Discusses situations that are ready for the formation of a learning community and suggests that virtual learning might be the answer. Offers a case study of a software-development company and explains how to set up elements on an intranet. Includes marketing tips for promoting the new learning community. (JOW)

This study investigated the effects of subject and teaching experience on confidence in computing among teachers in Lebanese schools when using common computer software applications. Results showed significantly different levels of confidence depending on subject, and teachers with more experience had lower levels of confidence. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of instructional design for training focuses on the lack of tools that support the developmental phases of analysis, design, and evaluation. Topics include a standard instructional systems design model and an integrated software support system called "Designer's Edge," which focuses on the common activities of instructional…

This primer on authoring tools for training provides tips on selecting software, questions to assess whether to use it, and a directory of companies selling multimedia authoring products. (SK)

Some of the graphing capabilities of The Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP) in the "Technology Tips" are introduced. The new graphing features of GSP allow teachers to implement the software not only in geometry classrooms but also into their algebra, precalculus and calculus classes.

Ninety-four undergraduates participated in a computer-assisted, therapist empathy, or therapist empathy + input dream session. Although all conditions were rated positively, both therapist conditions were rated higher than the computer condition, and action ideas were better for the therapist empathy condition than for the other 2 conditions at…

This article describes explorations using The Geometer's Sketchpad for algebra and calculus content.

Why are many teachers around the world moving toward task-based learning (TBL)? This shift is based on the strong belief that TBL facilitates second language acquisition and makes second language learning and teaching more principled and effective. Based on insights gained from using tasks as research tools, this volume shows how teachers can use…

Research findings in recent years provide compelling evidence of the importance of encouraging student control over the learning process as a whole. The socially based tools and technologies of the Web 2.0 movement are capable of supporting informal conversation, reflexive dialogue and collaborative content generation, enabling access to a wide…

Web 2.0 communication tools have considerable promise for supporting collaborative learning. But there is a need for research examining learners' and teachers' experiences of the newer communication tools, such as wikis, in comparison with well-established tools, such as discussion forums. This paper reports on an initiative where distance…

This study investigated novel pedagogies for helping teachers infuse inquiry into a standards-based science curriculum. Using a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) as a pedagogical vehicle, teams of middle-school students collaboratively solved problems around disease in a virtual town called River City. The students interacted with "avatars" of…

In this article, we present an overview of a suite of light and spectroscopy education materials developed as part of Project LITE (Light Inquiry Through Experiments). We also present an analysis of how introductory college astronomy students using these Project LITE materials performed on the Light and Spectroscopy Concept Inventory (LSCI)…