Which elementary reading approaches have been proven to help struggling readers to succeed? To find out, this review summarizes evidence on six types of programs designed to improve the reading achievement of children having difficulty in learning to read: (1) One-to-One Tutoring by Teachers (TT) such as "Reading Recovery," "Auditory…

Forty-eight elementary children with hearing impairments were assigned to either computer-assisted instruction or small-group instruction and workbooks, for math or language arts. Results showed that computer-assisted instruction did not affect improvement in written language skills or standardized achievement tests but did show positive effects…

Discussion of cooperative learning focuses on the benefits of using computers. Research that explored benefits of group versus individual computer use is reviewed, size of computer groups is discussed, differentiating tasks to accommodate individual differences is considered, and a cooperative computer project for a newswriting unit for fourth…

Describes the development of an integrated approach to using computer technology in a multiaged classroom with grades four and five that emphasizes the role of the teacher. The use of LOGO is discussed, and changing from a lecture format to helping small groups of students who are working independently is described. (LRW)

Describes findings of the Spoken Language and New Technology (SLANT) research project which studied the talk of primary school children in the United Kingdom who were working in small groups at computers with various kinds of software. Improvements in the quality of talk and collaboration during computer-based activities are suggested. (Contains…

Presents a framework for integrating pedagogy and software design and evaluates the framework by designing two educational programs to be used in coaching exploratory talk in small group work in citizenship and science. Results show that combining software design with off-computer coaching of exploratory talk enhances computer interaction and that…

In British primary schools, it is unusual to find more than one computer in a classroom. As a result, children are assigned to small groups to use the computer. This research reported here sought to explore the characteristics of groupwork with computers and to provide guidance to teachers on computer use issues. This paper summarizes work from…

Presents a framework for teaching elementary school students to use the Internet in a one-computer classroom. Levels of activities include a class lesson with a functional Web site; class surfing, e-mail, and search engines; group researching; collecting data; and independent research. (LRW)

This study sought to examine the group dynamics of children working and learning collaboratively on a computer-based instructional writing task. Standard 3 and 4 children at two urban primary schools in the Dunedin area of New Zealand were assigned the task of producing illustrated interactive stories using the "Twist-a-plot" program.…

This study compared the achievement of low and high ability eighth grade students working cooperatively during computer-based instruction. Students were grouped either homogeneously or heterogeneously on ability, and received identical instruction on a fictitious rule-based arithmetic number system. No significant differences in achievement were…

Describes a study that investigated whether second grade students internalized content and concepts embedded in a science computer simulation as opposed to treating it as a game to be played. Discusses cognitive outcomes and processes, thinking skills, use of scientific language, transfer to other contexts, and partner and gender considerations.…

Discussion of group processes in computer assisted instruction highlights a research program being developed in the United Kingdom to explore computer groupwork with 9-to 12-year-olds. Variables to be considered in the research strategy are described, data collection methods are explained, and student attitudes and teacher roles are discussed. (24…

Explains how computers can be used to support the basic conditions for language learning and the teaching strategies for a process orientation to writing instruction that are identified by the Early Literacy Inservice Course (ELIC) in Australia. Recommends using computers to match children with books, and for group learning. (SKC)

Compares results of a current survey with an earlier one conducted in the United Kingdom to examine microcomputer use in primary schools. Highlights include the effect of experience; teacher training; influences on software use; individual versus group use; influences on cooperative behavior; teachers' aims in using microcomputers; and future…

Describes study that was designed to explore the verbal interaction and problem solving behaviors occurring within small learning groups of fourth graders working cooperatively on a computer-assisted problem solving task. Ability groupings are described and factors relating to the successful completion of the task are discussed. (28 references)…