The identification and integration of reusable and customizable CSCL (Computer Supported Collaborative Learning) may benefit from the capture of best practices in collaborative learning structuring. The authors have proposed CLFPs (Collaborative Learning Flow Patterns) as a way of collecting these best practices. To facilitate the process of CLFPs…

The current paper examines the design process that led to an unusually successful interactive tutorial for older people. The paper describes the issues that make designing for older people different. These include differences between the designer and the target population and the difficulty that older people have in interacting with low-fidelity…

This paper introduces a hardware and software independent model for producing educational computer simulation environments. The model, which is based on the results of 32 studies of educational computer simulations program production, implies that educational computer simulation environments are specified, constructed, tested, implemented, and…

Presents guidelines for selecting computer equipment and appropriate software for children of preschool and early elementary school age (3- to 6-years-old.) (BB)

This report contains conference papers on geometry teaching. There were five plenary talks given and a review of Hungarian geometry teaching. The plenary talks addressed background theories of the psychology of learning such as constructivism, perceptional psychology, and motivational psychology. The themes of the 21 short talks were on a varied…

Describes the features, equipment and operations of digital cameras and compares three different digital cameras for use in education. Price, technology requirements, features, transfer software, and accessories for the Kodak DC25, Olympus D-200L and Casio QV-100 are presented in a comparison table. (AEF)

Evaluates the scaffold designed as a dynamic modeling software tool called Model-It in terms of its ability to support learners' use of modeling practices. Discusses the continued empirical validation of types and instances of tool scaffolds. (Contains 50 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes the importance of statistical reasoning in understanding modern science and critically evaluating information. Uses spreadsheet programs and the black box approach to teach basic concepts of statistical reasoning. Presents examples of the role of statistical thinking in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology.…

Focuses on the role of tools provided by a computer microworld (C.AR.ME) on the strategies developed by 14-year-old students for the area measurement of a non-convex polygon. Interprets and classifies student strategies on a transformation and comparison task into categories in terms of the tools used for their development. (Author/MM)

Discussion of learning technology standards focuses on acceptance and implementation, illustrated by SCORM specifications as applied to courseware development. Highlights include course structure; content hierarchy; multimedia assets; sharable content objects (SCOs); content aggregation; content packaging; categories of metadata; and content…

Describes CD-ROM and its use as a new form of instructional technology. Topics discussed include the role of software in searching databases; benefits of CD-ROM over traditional materials; the need for adequate instruction on searching, including examples of necessary skills for effective searching; and guidelines for search strategies. (LRW)

Reviews four software programs and describes features that illustrate their creative and utility value: (1) "ClarisWorks" for presentation purposes; (2) "Easy Book" for putting books together; (3) "Nutribase Personal Nutrition Manager" for nutrition education, and (4) "Digital Chisel" for interactive…

Defines prototyping as an original version or model on which a completed software system for computer-based training is formed; examines the development process of a prototype; describes how prototyping can assist in facilitating communication between educational technology, software engineering, and project management; and discusses why…

Discusses Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I) using a question-and-answer format. Highlights include development of the CD-I technology; where to purchase discs and players; compatibility with other CD-ROM drives; how to make discs; authoring systems versus custom programs; entertainment and educational applications; licensing issues; specifications;…

This paper reviews research studies involving the use of technological interventions for direct educational application with children (birth to age five) with disabilities. Studies are organized into two categories: (1) adapted switch toys; and (2) microcomputer software. Methodological problems limited the value of the findings, which were…