Seductive details are highly interesting information tangential to course objectives. The inclusion of seductive details generally harms performance on recall tests, but few studies have used multimedia training or investigated effects on performance on recognition tests or transfer tasks. We conducted two studies using computer-based training,…

Writing instructors teaching in computer classrooms recognize that the goals and content of these writing courses have changed since precomputer days. While the emphasis is still on writing, skills related to producing texts in electronic environment are also being taught. Technology is changing the nature of writing instruction, the writing…

This study examined the impact of keyboarding instruction on the acquisition of word processing skills. Over a 6-week period, 6 third grade students were studied as they used the "Type to Learn" keyboarding program. Each student spent an average of 45 minutes on the computer each week. Data collection consisted of observations, questionnaires, and…

Although many elementary classrooms have computers, students commonly report that they do not know how to use the them. This study assessed the effectiveness of a computer training program for students to increase their awareness of and comfort level on Macintosh and IBM computers in their classroom. Participating were fifth graders in an…

Examines the development of information technology (IT) capability by teacher-trainees on a postgraduate certificate of education course; the course involves the promotion of IT use during classroom placements by teacher-mentors. Survey results indicate that for certain trainees, the development of IT skills was regarded as being synonymous with…

An 18-month study examined the impact of word processors on the teaching and learning of writing in an area school on the South Island of New Zealand, with a special focus upon the writing development of 9 primary school children ranging in age from 8 years 11 months to 11 years 8 months. A wide range of data was collected on each pupil, including…

The computer can be a powerful tool to help students who are having difficulty learning the skills of prewriting, composition, revision, and editing. Specific software is suggested for each phase, as well as for classroom publishing. (Author/JDD)

The use of microcomputers in language arts instruction with exceptional students can be an effective tool for both teaching and reinforcing skills, but is not typically employed as an integral part of the overall language arts curriculum. Research studies substantiate the positive impact on student performance when microcomputers are effectively…

Kindergarten teachers are not receiving instruction in computer literacy, and the kindergarten curriculum does not include instruction in use of computers. A practicum project addressed the problem of bilingual (Spanish-English) kindergarten teachers who did not know how to use computer word processing programs. Major goals of the project were to…

Discusses how to meet elementary school student and staff needs for computer access with a hub of networked computers in the library media center. Topics include types of use, including word processing, desktop publishing, curriculum support, and multimedia presentations; scheduling; assigning staff responsibilities; and suggested allocation of…

There is a great need for increased competency at technology integration by public school teachers. Among the best ways to encourage assimilation of those skills by pre-service teachers is to model the effective use of technology in both college and clinical classrooms. Pre-service teachers (n=410) were surveyed to determine to what degree their…

This set of four newsletters contains articles to help adult basic education and literacy teachers connect research and practice. The following are among the articles included: "The Effects of Continuing Goal-Setting on Persistence in a Math Classroom" (Pamela Meader); "Do the Cognitive Skills of Dropouts Matter in the Labor…