Educational software makers are often rebuffed by educational authorities, whose endorsements could lead to governmental stamps of approval, and thus explosive sales. But they usually get warmer receptions in the offices of the nation's school superintendents, who are, after all, their primary customers. The system was not supposed to work this…

Five eighth grade science classes of students in at a middle school were assigned to three treatment groups: those who individually concept mapped, those who collaboratively concept mapped, and those who independently used their study time. The findings revealed that individually generating concept maps on computers during study time positively…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the integration of a cognitive apprenticeship model into an educational technology Web-based course for pre-service primary through secondary teacher education. Specifically, this study presents an overview of methods, tools and media used to foster the integration of a cognitive apprenticeship model,…

Previous research on the effect of technology-based preservice education programs has been assessed by examining changes in computer ability and attitudes. Systematic exploration looking at the effect of these programs on computer use has been noticeably absent. In addition, the role of emotions and use of computers has been largely ignored with…

This deliverable has been produced in the context of the Knowledge-Practice Laboratory (KP-Lab) project. KP-Lab focuses on innovative practices of working with knowledge in higher education, teacher training, and workplaces. Participants of WP10 are University of Helsinki, University of Oslo and Poyry Forest Industry representing both researchers…

The Association of Small Computer Users in Education (ASCUE) is a dynamic organization for people interested in small college technology issues. Its members include information technology professionals, instructional technologists, and faculty members from all over the world who use computers and technology to support teaching and learning. The…

This study investigates the application of voice recognition technology to online lectures focusing on the efficacy of the text component of a multimedia presentation. Specifically, participants were provided with online access to multimedia instructional packages comprising an image of the lecturer with accompanying computer slides, plus…

This final report describes a federally funded project to improve the instructional design and use of general software with students who have special learning needs. An 86-page guide, which was the project output, is provided. This "Guide for the Use of General Software with Students Who Have Special Learning Needs" is designed to help teachers…

A multimedia software package, ASTOUND, has been used by the University of South Carolina (USC) Sumter in the development of lectures and support learning materials in a computer literacy course. A hardware setup, known as the Tech Commander, which provides immediate feedback for both students and instructor as work is being done in the lab, has…

This paper discusses a computer-based prototype called TestMaker that enables educators to create computer-based tests. Given the functional needs of faculty, the host of research implications computer technology has for assessment, and current educational perspectives such as constructivism and their impact on testing, the purposes for developing…

Commitment to teaching excellence is enhanced when innovative and creative methods are introduced into the education setting. With today's rapidly changing technology, professional and presentation software can be used to improve the learning process. At Florida's Stetson University, professional estate, gift, and fiduciary software packages were…

The social interactions that occur during pair problem solving were studied using a computer tool and without using the tool. The computer tool, (the TAPS system) is an instructional system that presents complex word problems and provides a graphics user interface with tools for constructing problem trees (network structures showing…

The National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) was charged with developing a National Literacy Database. This manual contains standards, guidelines, and a framework to be used when adding literacy resources to the National Literacy Information and Communication Network. As more state literacy resource centers (SLRCs) and literacy organizations…

Looking at Binge Drinking (LBD) is a software program designed for school administrators and prevention specialists based at four-year colleges and universities who are concerned about the rate of alcohol binge drinking among their students. LBD runs on personal computers using Microsoft Windows. School officials can explore how certain changes in…

This monograph reports findings of a Fall, 1995 survey of computing officials at approximately 650 two- and four-year colleges and universities across the United States concerning increasing use of technology on college campuses. Major findings include: the percentage of college courses using e-mail and multimedia resources more than doubled; the…