A study of 49 students using electronic discussion software to support collaborative learning analyzed cognitive, metacognitive, and affective learning activities. A tendency to work individually and perform tasks with minimal effort resulted in superficial rather than deep learning. The teacher played a crucial role in stimulating learning…

Discusses computer conferencing in higher education, presents a community of inquiry model that includes benefits of computer conferencing, and discusses social presence, defined as the ability of learners to project themselves socially and affectively into a community of inquiry. Topics include teacher immediacy, coding, and content analysis of…

Described is a pilot study at North Carolina State University that assessed introductory science education students' reactions to the effectiveness of three instructional techniques (small group discussions, role-playing, and computer-based simulation) in dealing with incidents of classroom management. Conclusions indicated no statistical…

Describes a study that examined the accuracy and type of preservice teacher feedback to computer-simulated pupils. Accurate and inaccurate feedback when focusing on the accomplishments and deficiencies of the simulated pupils is examined, and patterns linking teachers' assessment of pupil performance with feedback during lesson interactions are…

Examines the applicability of Kuhlthau's Information Search Process Model in the context of a virtual learning environment at the University of North Texas that used virtual collaborative software. Highlights include cognitive and affective aspects of information seeking; computer experience and confidence; and implications for future research.…

It was hypothesized that a visual strategy that incorporates a humorous theme and cartoons with humorous comments relevant to the content helps motivate students to focus on and retain computer-based instructional material. An experiment to assess this hypothesis was undertaken with 43 college students who received a humorous presentation on…

The paper discusses the affective influences on students of problem solving instruction using computers, and the relationship of affective influences to student belief systems. It reviews affective issues and problem solving, and analyzes affect with particular reference to the work of G. Mandler. The paper considers types of congnitive processes,…

This descriptive study examined the meaning of student responses to computer-mediated communication in a distance learning setting. The theoretical framework of the study was based on social and collaborative learning theories within a constructivist perspective. Participants were 13 studio and 24 off-site students enrolled in a distance learning…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on the cognitive and affective development of college students enrolled in a principles of macroeconomics course. The hypotheses of the experiment were stated as follows: In relation to the traditional principles course, the experimental treatment will…