Hands-on computing education requires a realistic learning environment that enables students to gain and deepen their skills. Available learning environments, including virtual and physical laboratories, provide students with real-world computer systems but rarely adapt the learning environment to individual students of various proficiency and…

Detection and responding to a player's affect are important for serious games. A method for this purpose was tested within Chem-o-crypt, a game that teaches chemical equation balancing. The game automatically detects boredom, flow, and frustration using the Affdex SDK from Affectiva. The sensed affective state is then used to adapt the game play…

Over the past decade, at both the university and high school levels, chemistry instructors have become keenly aware of an increasing number of students who are proving to be unable to solve complex problems. Today's students have grown up with technology, and most would prefer to do their homework using a digital tool rather than pencil and paper.…

Suggestions for adapting automated training materials for foreign audiences include accurate translation; culturalization; simplicity; clarity; anticipated uses, display formats, text characteristics, and software compatibility; costs; and attention to the pitfalls of jargon, cliches, acronyms, numbers, money, sports metaphors, and humor. (SK)

This paper reports initial results from a study which investigated whether different media combinations could be shown to improve students' understanding of computer-based learning materials and to determine whether student learning style affected student understanding for different media combinations. Three groups of participants were given a…

After an examination of the status of the use of media in the foreign language curriculum, the potential impact of video and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is analyzed, and their advantages and disadvantages are charted. The role of the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines with respect…

This paper on the application of principles to computer-assisted language learning (CALL) first clarifies the the relationships between the capabilities of the computer (and computer-controlled technology) and the main approaches to second language learning. Fourteen common types of CALL programs are briefly reviewed. A "relational" classification…

The purpose of this study is to examine how technology, namely virtual reality (VR), can be developed as a critical pedagogical tool. More specifically, the study explores whether the use of VR can challenge the traditional lecture format and make the classroom a more student-centered environment. In this instance, VR is defined as a set of…

This response to a previously published article on the replaceability of media and instructional methods focuses on a study that uses a chemistry multimedia software package to examine cognitive processes in which learners interact with instructional designs and use media and methods to construct understanding. (nine references) (LRW)

A review of the literature and current technology focuses on the determination of what strategies and methods are appropriate for computer-assisted language learning (CALL). A brief overview is presented regarding the historical development and non-use (to its full potential) of the computer in the education field, and particularly in the area of…

An interactive multimedia program to facilitate the acquisition of reading, writing, and overall communication skills in children with significant language delays was developed and evaluated in Sweden with two studies. Participating in the first study were 11 children (ages 6 to 13) with autism, 9 children (mean age 13) with mixed disabilities,…

Noting that for computers to become an important part of education, they must be in the classroom rather than just in computer labs or media centers, this book focuses on integrating computers into daily classroom instruction. Part 1 of the book contains 18 short essays grouped into 5 chapters: (1) "First Principles" deals with the…

An instructor's experience teaching introductory Sociology at Maple Woods Community College demonstrates the benefits of using instructional technology to deliver standard lecture material. In order to integrate technology with each lecture, a PC was used to create an interactive text-based design through Compel, a multimedia slide presentation…

Discusses the development of automated management systems for school library media centers. Suggests that schools of library and information science establish microcomputer laboratories containing state-of-the-art library management software and hardware that could be used for field work, inservices, and conferences. (TW)

In the Information Society of the new millennium, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming essential for the rapid dissemination of information. In this context, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) will have a growing role in effectively training people to have active roles in society. However, modern learners have a…