Describes the design principles of computer-assisted learning (CAL) environments in which the software is interactive yet adaptable to different styles of learning and teaching, illustrated with a mathematics application. Following implementation, initial evaluation data taken from students showed marked performance improvements, and indicated how…

Discusses computer competencies for special needs educators. Highlights include the ability to evaluate and match appropriate software to a learner's skills and abilities, helping students use computers as a personal productivity tool, assessing individual needs, integrating technology into multiple environments, and an example of helping a…

This review of the literature on computer-assisted instruction for students with mild disabilities identifies features of effective software, offers examples of software features that support particular instructional strategies, and outlines findings on specific instructional principles as applied to computer-assisted instructional software. (DB)

Presents an example of a multimedia program for French-as-a-Foreign-Language instruction developed at Penn State University using a videodisc selection that illustrates the use of authentic materials with potential for adaptations for various levels, tasks, and media. (JL)

This article discusses steps in incorporating computer technology into activity-based thematic units in a preschool classroom for children with and without disabilities. The discussion focuses on teaching young children to learn together, choosing appropriate software, and selecting activities to generalize computer learning. (JDD)

This article offers guidelines for evaluating and selecting appropriate software for use with gifted children and examines the advantages and limitations of computer-assisted instruction with this population. (DB)

Describes some of the characteristics of Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) technology. Reviews two CD-ROM products: (1) "Sammy's Science House," which introduces fundamental processes in science; and (2) "Dangerous Creatures," which allows exploration of a world of more than 250 endangered species. (TM)

Reviews existing examples of computer-assisted vocabulary learning and suggests some principles for the future design of such programs. The issues considered are the extent to which the program is specifically oriented to vocabulary learning, what gives the interaction its instructional value, and what makes an interaction specifically…

Educational microworlds are defined and their potential for developing learners' thought processes is hypothesized to be more realizable than has previously been thought. A structured programing methodology that uses a point-and-click technique and that requires little syntactic sophistication on the part of the participant is presented. (LB)

Study examined the impact of word processing on sixth graders' writing and revision skills. Students used pencil and paper or word processors, or both, to write and revise compositions. There were significant revision differences. Word processing students corrected more and made fewer errors. Overall writing quality did not differ significantly.…

This paper describes a speech teaching aid developed to assist in foreign language pronunciation teaching. The methodology used in designing the graphical user interface and the teaching plans are described, and the technical aspects (algorithms used, hardware requirements, etc.) are briefly discussed. (36 references) (JL)

Considers whether there are "good" or "bad" media, and the ability of teaching aids, by themselves, to solve educational problems. Questions central to the effective use of media are raised in the following areas: relationship between media and egalitarian education, creativity and motivation; relevance and quality; and role in…

Discussed are several different transformations based on the generation of fractals including self-similar designs, the chaos game, the koch curve, and the Sierpinski Triangle. Three computer programs which illustrate these concepts are provided. (CW)

The effectiveness of specific dimensions of adult mediation on preschoolers' self-regulation of a model consultation strategy was evaluated using microcomputer puzzle tasks. Findings suggest that children's acquisition of the model consultation can improve over a short period of time with culturally mediated instruction. (Author/GLR)

Compared the effects of LOGO Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI), and a standard curriculum without computer exposure among grade three Zimbabwean children. No significant differences were found between the groups exposed to LOGO and to CAI, but both achieved significantly greater gains that the groups without computer exposure. Results suggest that…