The objects-first strategy to teaching programming has prevailed over the imperative-first and functional-first strategies during the last decade. However, the objects-first strategy has created added difficulties to both the teaching and learning of programming. In an attempt to confront these difficulties and support the objects-first strategy…

The classroom teacher's comfort and familiarity with computers and software influences student-computer use in the classroom. Teachers remain mired in repetitive introduction of basic software mechanics and rarely progress with students to advanced concepts or complex applications. An Online Assistant (OLA) was developed to accompany the…

Laptop computers offer a unique way to package a course so that students will learn academic communication skills using the latest technological tools. Laptops can be programmed to be compatible with a school's computer system, eliminating many potential problems students might face in adapting their home computers. Additionally, a level playing…

Addresses usability issues pertaining to the purpose of educational software, followed by suggestions for ways in which educational software can meet the language, physical, social, and cognitive needs of children. Guidelines and recommendations are provided for adapting usability engineering and testing procedures to educational software to…

Describes a pilot project that implemented and tested an interactive system of multimedia computer learning modules for an introductory human geography course. The project used a sequential learning process moving from initial concepts, to collaborative writing, and on to geographical analyses by the students. Includes assignment examples, system…

This study examines the attitudes of students toward modern technology, their attitudes toward learning using modern technology in an academic setting, and whether there is a correlation between the two attitude variables. The investigation looked at the effects of gender and grade level on students' attitudes toward technology and toward learning…

Details the introduction of five different forms of instructional technology into a core international relations class. The technology includes a multimedia map, the Internet, a course Web Page, CD-ROMs, and "Powerpoint" presentations. Identifies technological breakdowns as the most consistent problem with these approaches and suggests alternate…

This how-to manual is intended to ease the transition to the information technology age even for those teachers who have no previous knowledge or experience with computers. Written in a concise, numbered paragraph format, the text uses simple nontechnical language. The first chapter titled, "Getting Started with Computers," covers choosing and…

Learning English Electronically (LEE), a computer software package designed for adult English as a Second Language (ESL) students enrolled in intermediate level community college ESL classes, was evaluated at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona to assess student and teacher attitudes toward the program. LEE consists of 43 lessons…