Reviews the literature on computer use in second language and foreign language learning from 1990 to 2000 inclusive under the categories of potentials of computer technology use in specific areas; software for language skills; software design considerations; computerized language testing; and research findings from studies using quantitative…

Describes the design and evaluation of a desktop virtual reality program that was developed to teach children about the accessibility and attitudinal barriers encountered by their peers with mobility impairments. Investigated attitudes, grade levels, familiarity with individuals with a disability, and gender. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the use of computer simulation for laboratory experiments in undergraduate engineering education focuses on work at the University of New South Wales in the instructional design and software development of a package simulating a heat exchange device. The importance of integrating theory, design, and experimentation is also discussed.…

Discusses the evaluation of SToMP (Software Teaching of Modular Physics), a project that uses hypermedia to provide the resources an undergraduate student needs to study physics courses via a computer. Findings show that SToMP allows students to have individualized self-paced learning environments and offers better tutor-student contact. (JMV)

Describes three integrated development cycles for a series of software packages for teaching mathematics: (1) development of a software package, including rationale and didactics; (2) cognitive studies leading to a more effective interaction between student, software, and teacher; and (3) organization of pedagogical knowledge for software…

Several CD-ROM products are being developed in Hawaii as part of MIDAS (Multimedia Industry for the Development of Academic Software), which helps promote technology in the classroom. The article examines how technology provides opportunities for students to develop higher thinking and problem-solving skills. (SM)

Discussion of how to teach decision-making skills to undergraduate engineering design students highlights a computer-based decision support tool, WOMBAT (Weighted Objectives Method by Arguing with the Tutor). Changes in WOMBAT from an earlier version are described, and an example of dialog between a user and the system is included. (Contains 24…

This article offers teachers basic information on using authoring programs and hypermedia to develop computer-assisted instructional programs as well as a seven-step systematic instructional design and development model involving preplanning, designing, authoring, testing, and revising the courseware product. Examples of teacher developed…

Discusses exemplary teacher and student characteristics that can provide the base to generate an Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction (ICAI) shell. Outlines the expertise, learning, student-model, and inference modules of an ICAI shell. Describes the development of an ICAI shell for an undergraduate course in human physiology. (33 references)…

Discussion of educational computer simulations focuses on the parallel instruction theory that was developed at the University of Twente to combine the simulation with instructional materials, including those that may be printed. The MacTHESIS design system and philosophy are discussed, and simulation and learning environments based on the…

Discussion of computers and new information technology in developing countries focuses on China. Highlights include information technology as a tool for national development or as a tool for dependency; Chinese informatics policy; computers in Chinese secondary education; the development of educational software; teacher training; and computer…

Introduces the concept of abductive reasoning; discusses its importance for instructional designers in education; and describes the development of a computer program called the Abductive Reasoning Tool (ART) that helps students learn and understand abductive logic. Highlights include abduction and creativity, and field-testing ART with…

Discusses various aspects of multimedia instruction, including differences in goals from those of computer-assisted instruction; guidelines for the successful use of interactive multimedia instruction; the use of multimedia lessons in an introductory chemistry course; applications of multimedia instruction for indexing, hypermedia, simulations,…

Describes a study that investigated the interaction of learning-disabled students and their teachers with instructional elements of commercial courseware. The relationship of courseware design to student independence and motivation is discussed, implications for improving courseware design are noted, and ideas for further research are suggested.…

Examines the origins of small-group learning and distinguishes cooperative learning from other methods. Highlights include assessing the effects of cooperative learning, including cognitive effects; designing effective software for cooperative groups, including accountability, interdependence, interaction, ability grouping, age, collaborative…