Analyzes student discourse in 4 grade-12 lab groups working on microcomputer-based laboratories. Analysis reveals the role the computer plays in the group context and the ways that this context is shaped by the computer. Contains 22 references. (Author/JRH)

Examines the effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on students' understanding of chemical formulas and mole concept, and their attitudes toward chemistry and CAI. Reports that students who used the CAI accompanied with lectures scored significantly higher and demonstrated significant improvement in attitudes compared to the control group…

Reports on a study designed to investigate how the use of computer assisted instruction (CAI) tutorial programs, incorporating advance organizers and involving various sizes of groups of subjects, would affect achievement scores, retention scores, and rates of learning. (TW)

Reports the results of an in-depth examination of middle school children's graphing skills and misconceptions. Also discusses a study in which students learned graphing skills through microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL). (ML)

Investigated were the effects of interactive computer-generated homework on unit tests, a final examination, and a comprehensive test given near the end of a Physical Science I course. The results indicated that the use of the homework reduced the effectiveness of the American College Test scores as a predictor of course achievement. (YP)

Presents perspectives on creating new technology-based supports for science learning. Reviews current philosophies concerning the interpretative nature of scientific inquiry and discusses the difficulties of students and teachers in science education. Describes a prototype software system for supporting scientific inquiry processes in students.…

Defines artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) and science education. Provides a brief background of AI work, examples of expert systems, examples of ICAI work, and addresses problems facing AI workers that have implications for science education. Proposes a revised model of the Karplus/Renner…

Evaluates the attributes of a microcomputer software package as a supplement to chemistry instruction. Reports higher scores among the students in a control group. Discovers no significant interaction between treatment and development stage. Discusses several implications for further research. Provides the General Chemistry Test and error analysis…

This study investigated the effectiveness of computer simulations for enhancing the problem solving skills of high school students. Summaries of three related studies are presented. Results indicate that the computerized simulations enabled students to master the objectives of a biology course as effectively as traditional methods. (ML)

From an analysis of 14 secondary student's actions and thought processes, it was found that technology's level of information affected the focus of student observations. The microcomputer group focused primarily on the graph while other groups exhibited multiple foci. The discussion data also reveal that students have three main ideas about how…

Discusses a study which assessed the effect of a brief kinematics unit on: (1) students' ability to translate between a physical event and the graphic representation of it, and; (2) the effect of real-time on graphing skills. Reports the success of the use of a microcomputer-based laboratory with graphing velocity and distance. (ML)

Examines (1) how students evaluate information obtained in the science laboratory; (2) the effects of use of microcomputer-based laboratory; and, (3) the effects of explicit instruction on critical evaluation skills. Discusses results in terms of students' propensity to accept incorrect graphs and in terms of the effect of the enhanced instruction…

Utilizes a quasiexperimental design to examine the impact of microcomputer simulations on environmental problem solving by community college students. The experimental group of students (n=34) showed a highly significant improvement in problem-solving skills after being exposed to three simulation models that focused on lake pollution analysis,…

Describes a research strategy designed to examine learning and behavior when students interacted with microcomputers and software interfaced with a videotape cassette recorder (VCR). Utilized the VCR to record the video output from the microcomputer and students' verbal comments using a microphone unit. (TW)

Describes the "SemNet" software and some of its uses as an educational and research tool, with emphasis on the similarities and differences between concept mapping and semantic networking. (PR)