Contrasts uses of electronic mail which are contrived by teachers versus uses that are based on real educational needs. Examples based on elementary school projects in Canada, the United States, and Australia are given; and uses in distance education, in school administration, with handicapped children, and to improve writing skills are described.…

Discussion of research on computer-aided instruction (CAI) focuses on a set of questions and hypotheses that form the basis for research on the effectiveness of CAI. Four factors are highlighted: (1) the medium (including interactive videodisc); (2) the environment; (3) student characteristics; and (4) topic of instruction. (38 references) (LRW)

Discussion of multimedia instruction focuses on a pilot study that compared the relative effectiveness of three interactive media formats in a DVI/RTV (Digital Video Interactive/Real Time Video) computer-mediated instructional lesson for a military communications system. Hypotheses tested are discussed, and the educational importance is…

Explains the combination of hypertext and knowledge maps into hypermaps, and describes a study of undergraduates learning statistical material that compared the effectiveness of using hypertext versus hypermaps. Recall, reference time and accuracy, and student satisfaction are investigated, and needs for further studies are suggested. (10…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Groningen (Netherlands) that investigated the effectiveness of a computer-based training program for use with an automated system for retrieving legal information. Hypotheses tested are explained, computer-based versus traditional instructional methods are compared, and implications for further…