Describes the writing center funded for the Bristol (Pennsylvania) High School when the school district adopted writing across the curriculum. Examples of ways in which the center is used and both student and teacher reactions to these activities are given. Information on six desktop publishing programs is provided. (DB)

Describes the use of computer-generated concept maps using a new genre of graphics programs that allows students to create, alter and expand maps as they acquire more subject matter knowledge. Four examples of increasingly complex concept maps developed by a high school student studying cellular biology are discussed and illustrated. (Contains 19…

Describes Education Information Centers (EICs) in public libraries in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Nebraska that have been funded by the Kellogg Foundation to serve adults who are in a job, education, or career transition. Career assessment software is reviewed, outreach strategies are described, and future plans are…

Contends that microcomputers were introduced into the social studies classrooms to teach higher order thinking skills. Maintains that computers can aid in teaching both process and content. Reviews new computer software programs and points out each programs' educational objectives and problems. Contends microcomputers are an invaluable tool of…

Outlines the designing of a new classroom building to promote the use of technology in instruction at the University of Central Florida. Highlights include involvement with faculty, students, and architects; focus-group meetings; use of TeamNet, a computer program for collecting participant input; and an outline of physical, support, and…

Describes the formative evaluation of a multimedia computer system that provides remedial support for university students learning concepts concerning the structure and function of the human brain and describes usability studies of the system using the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI). Analysis of SUMI items and the student…

Japanese learners must acquire three sets of orthographic characters (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji). Computerized programs were developed to facilitate learners' acquisition of Japanese characters and vocabulary items. Surveys of college students in first-, second-, and third-year Japanese courses examined their feelings about the programs. The…

Shows how the "Kid Pix" software and a single multimedia computer can aid classroom instruction for kindergarten through second grade. Topics include using the computer as a learning center for small groups of students; making a "Kid Pix" slide show; using it as an electronic chalkboard; and creating curriculum-related…

While there may be positive benefits to computerized reading programs and awards, there may be greater negative consequences to their use. Studies suggest that use of the widely known Accelerated Reader Program alone cannot create better lifelong learners. Educators need to examine practices that have worked well in the past and work hard to…

Discusses the challenge of teachers having limited instruction with choosing appropriate software packages for classroom instruction. Discusses generating a review form that can guide teachers in the selection of educational software. Presents a list of criteria for evaluating software. (SC)

Describes a computer microworld for learning the concept of conservation of area and its measurement; analyzes its main features (drawing segments and polygons, manipulation of areas using simulations of children's sensory-motor actions, measuring areas, transforming areas into equivalent ones, and measuring lengths and angles); and presents the…

Reviews speech-interactive learning activities in selected commercial products: activities for vocabulary development, conversational practice, and pronunciation. Suggests the effectiveness of speech-interactive computer-assisted language learning is determined less by capabilities of the speech recognizer than by (a) design of language-learning…

Findings from a study investigating students' reactions to a hypermedia program used to analyze real-life interactions indicated that pragmatic awareness can be developed in virtual culture contact situations. Similar interactive software in combination with ethnographic activities may be more effective in culture teaching and learning.…

Argues that there are no generalizations about what features of technology or software type makes computer-assisted learning (CAL) successful. "Niche based success" comes from a close fit between a piece of courseware and its situation of use that is specific to that niche. Discusses teacher analysis of weak existing situations and how…

Investigated effects of multimedia reading software on reading comprehension. Twelve college students enrolled in a second semester French course were instructed to think aloud during reading of text on the computer screen. They read text under one of three conditions: full glossing, limited glossing, no glossing. Suggests computerized reading…