The development of inquiry and project-based materials is challenging in many ways, not the least of which is the design of supports for teachers implementing such materials. We report on the design of educative and just-in-time teacher supports for an online project-based unit in ocean science. The teacher supports were visible as tabs on the…

The methods for authoring and distributing course content are undergoing substantial changes due to advancement in computer technology. Paper has been the traditional method to author and distribute course content. Paper enables students to personalize content through highlighting and note taking but does not enable the incorporation of multimedia…

This guide is designed to help teachers and parents evaluate and choose computer software for young children in their classrooms or homes. Chapter one of the guide contains software purchasing tips and criteria, along with descriptions of programs receiving the High/Scope Early Childhood Software Award of Excellence. Chapter two contains a guide…

Discusses factors in the successful integration of computers into the early childhood classroom, including children's openness to new experiences and the need for teachers to be open to new ideas and confident in the positive role of technology. Considers elements to look for in choosing educational software. (JPB)

Evaluating and selecting the appropriate software is a very important component of success in using multimedia systems in both educational and corporate settings. Computer-mediated multimedia (CMM) is the integration of two or more communication media, controlled or manipulated by the user via a computer, to present information. CMM can be…

Outlines the attributes of "BaseMap," a map-making software package. Locating specific outline maps is a consistently frustrating problem for most instructors. BaseMap allows teachers to copy any map onto their clipboard and make revisions using standard word processing programs. Provides a quick overview of the tools and functions. (MJP)

Educational software for teachers is an important, yet usually ignored, link for integrating information technology into classroom instruction. This study builds a web-based teaching material design and development system. The process in the system is divided into four stages, analysis, design, development, and practice. Eight junior high school…

Describes a multimedia program in associative learning, on CD-ROM, available for Macintosh computers. Expands on the rationale behind the program's design, the process of production, and the structure of the program and lessons. Reports on results of student performance on tests as a measure of the program' effectiveness. (DSK)

Microcomputers in schools contribute significantly to the learning process, and software selection is taken as seriously as the selection of text books. The seven step process for responsible software selection are: (1) analyzing needs, including the differentiation between needs and objectives; (2) specification of requirements; (3) identifying…

Describes the California Instructional Technology Clearinghouse and its online, searchable database of more than 2600 recommended software, video, and Internet-based instructional resources. Outlines the review and recommendation process used by the Clearinghouse. Presents reviews of 10 products representative of those in the database. (DSK)

The growing interest in the field of educational technology in the design of constructivist learning environments has led to a renewed examination of problem-based learning (PBL), an approach to instruction in which all learning results from students' efforts to solve a complex problem. Concurrent advances in technology make it possible to use…

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of five selected statistical software packages with respect to how well the software enhances business statistics instructors's ability to teach traditionally difficult topics. Ranks the software on technical and pedagogical benefits. Results indicate (1) no advantage to using textbook-related software over…

Compares academic performance between two groups of students in a statistics course. One group was given homework generated by computer software that provided feedback concerning incorrect answers. The other relied on the textbook without benefit of the feedback. The group using the software performed better on homework and tests. (MJP)

Reviews the Global Telecommunications Helping Inquiry, Negotiation and Knowledge (T.H.I.N.K.) simulation project developed by Lloyd Christopherson. Interviews Christopherson about the development, goals, and use of Global T.H.I.N.K. Provides a World Wide Web address for finding the project and teachers' guidebooks for running the simulation. (DSK)

Highlights the experiences of three elementary teachers involved in a computer technology project. Teachers' concerns included computer materials that did not closely match the required curriculum, lack of preparation and training, and the inconsistent level of the success experienced by both students and teachers. (MJP)