Interactive videos are frequently employed in education. Although several reviews and syntheses indicate that interactively engaging with videos might benefit learning, up until now no quantitative synthesis of the effectiveness of enhanced interaction features in educational videos has been published. Enhanced interaction features explicitly aim…

Learning the fundamentals of programming languages has always been a difficult task for students. It is equally challenging for lecturers to teach these concepts. A number of methods have been deployed by teachers to teach these concepts. This article analyses the result of a class test to identify fundamental programming concepts that students…

A WebQuest is an inquiry-based online learning technique. This technique has been widely adopted in K-16 education. Therefore, it is important that conditions of effective WebQuest design are defined. Through this article the author presents techniques for improving WebQuest design based on current research. More specifically, the author analyzes…

Provides an overview of the erroneous expectations of many educators toward computer-assisted language learning (CALL). A realistic assessment of CALL capabilities is offered, and the specific functions and the versatile role of CALL when used in conjunction with other teaching tools is demonstrated. Specific examples from the Macintosh Private…

Examination of how teachers use computers in second-language instruction leads to the suggestion that designers need to take a wider view of the computer's role in language learning and more strongly consider the teacher's presence; and that teachers have to contribute more to computer-assisted language learning sessions, using their skills and…

Describes a naturalistic paradigm and discusses the value of using a naturalistic, or qualitative, approach to study the effectiveness of computer-based instruction (CBI) and to design effective courseware. Topics discussed include data collection; data analysis; and findings of naturalistic studies of CBI effectiveness. (53 references) (LRW)

This paper reviews empirical studies of the efficacy of the use of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in various settings, with particular attention to the use of CAI to teach mathematics skills and concepts. Studies using students at various ages and various subjects are considered, as are applications in which CAI was used as the primary…

Provides a summary of research on the effectiveness of animation in computer-assisted learning, suggests guidelines and strategies for implementing animation for specific materials in both educational and training environments to assist instructional designers and developers, and includes examples for the strategies. (Contains 17 references.) (LRW)

The current plateau in the use of computers in the schools is discussed. An explanation for this is drawn from brief historical examples that demonstrate the inherent conservatism of schools and teachers, the problem of integrating technology in the classroom, and the resistance of teachers to practices that present a perceived threat to good…

Since about 1962, researchers have explored the effectiveness of educational software in the schools under various conditions, and many have concluded that computer assisted instruction (CAI) is effective. Many of the studies reviewed to support this conclusion, however, had design flaws. Reviews of educational software effectiveness studies have…

This article reviews five modes of computer-assisted software so that teachers will be more aware of them and use computers more in their classrooms. The five modes are the following: (1) drill and practice; (2) tutorial; (3) simulation; (4) demonstration; and (5) instructional games. Teachers should review softwares and choose those that meet…

The article examines recent literature on the promised benefits of microcomputer application in teaching mildly handicapped students, and analyzes the extent to which research has revealed positive results in eight areas of effective instructional practice (e.g., motivation, self-concept, direct instruction, drill and practice, and writing…

Discusses the use of pre-Logo microworlds for elementary school children and describes developments that are being made to alleviate problems encountered in classroom implementation of the microworlds. Highlights include tutorial support; a menu-driven user interface appropriate for young children; effectiveness of new learner support features;…

Reviews a criterion-based evaluation of educational software at York University, Ontario, using the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES). Concern over the quality of available courseware is expressed, and the response of students and teachers is highlighted as the most important criterion for evaluation. (LRW)

Briefly reviews current research on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and microcomputers. The Hawthorne Effect and research results for elementary, secondary, and college level students are discussed, courseware requirements are described, and research studies showing positive and negative effects of CAI are listed. (LRW)