It is well-known that digital learning materials influence the classroom curriculum and didactics. At the same time, few studies examine the role of the data visualizations offered by digital learning materials. Data visualizations signpost the emergence of students as data subjects who can be observed and compared on a computer screen. They thus…

Microcomputer based laboratory activities have been suggested to have a number of benefits in science education. However, their implementation produces mixed results, and student perception data have in the past yielded responses that are negative regarding the technology. This work presents a case study of three first year undergraduate chemistry…

Education is an active process in which instructors apply various devices to make the material to be taught more suitable for students' perception. As the capabilities of available devices improve, so should the methods of teaching make the best use of them. No tool can ever replace an instructor, but tools can enhance the efficiency of…

This paper proposes a new way to integrate history of science in science education to promote conceptual change by introducing the notion of historical microworld, which is a computer-based interactive learning environment respecting historic conceptions. In this definition, "interactive" means that the user can act upon the virtual environment by…

Contains an illustration and text to aid in describing the DynaPulse 200M Education Edition microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL), which combines interactive software with curriculum and medical instruction to teach students about the cardiovascular system. Review includes key features of the software, cost, and ease of use. (ZWH)

After 30 years of failing to live up to the promises of its proponents, instructional technology has finally started to play an effective role in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. Asserts that students in courses delivered entirely with technology have begun to outperform students in traditional lecture-based courses, a…

Reviews the main principles of interfacing and discusses the software developed to perform kinetic data capture and analysis with a BBC microcomputer linked to a recording spectrophotometer. Focuses on the steps in software development. Includes results of a lactate dehydrogenase assay. (ML)

Discusses the need to take into account the effects of arrested fractional crystallization in the petrographic classification of volcanic rocks containing plagioclase phenocrysts. Describes the development and use of a computer program to accomplish this task graphically. (TW)

Provides a review of both the Apple and IBM versions of ENZPACK, a software package which is designed to assist in the teaching of enzyme kinetics in courses where this topic is treated in some depth. (TW)

Input from constructivist scholars and science teachers helps develop future biologists and biology teachers who better understand scientific investigation through their development and use of investigative software, as well as through laboratory and field activities. (SM)

Describes a computer program, "Activation Energy," which is designed for use in physical chemistry classes and can be modified for kinetic experiments. Provides suggestions for instruction, sample program listings, and information on the availability of the program package. (ML)

Describes experiences of the Computers in Teaching Initiatives (CTI) centers for chemistry and physics which provide support to academic staff in universities in the United Kingdom who are using communications and information technology. Topics include funding by the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP); courseware development; and…

A suite of networked computer tools within a pedagogical framework was designed to enhance earth science education at the high school level. These tools give students access to live satellite images, weather maps, and other scientific data dealing with the weather, and make it easy for students to make their own weather forecasts by creating…

Reviews Apple computer science programs that are useful in a laboratory setting. Includes laboratory simulations, uses of Apple as a functioning lab instrument, and dissection programs. (ML)