Discussion of the advantages of local area networks (LANs) focuses on their use for successful cooperative learning. Individual and group assessment of success are discussed, effects on academic and affective achievement are considered, and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs to use with networking are suggested. (19 references) (LRW)

Describes various configurations of computer equipment that can be used in public schools. Labs with multiple computers, one computer in a classroom, and minilabs (with three or four computers on a mobile cart) are compared for cost effectiveness, cooperative learning possibilities, instructional effectiveness, usage, security, and flexibility.…

This guide focuses on the use of computers and cooperative learning techniques in classrooms that include students with disabilities. The guide outlines the characteristics of cooperative learning such as goal interdependence, individual accountability, and heterogeneous groups, emphasizing the value of each group member. Several cooperative…

Examines the potentials of technology to help the cooperative learning process. The need for interaction between cooperative learning practitioners and technology users is discussed; and research on the integration of technology into cooperative learning is reviewed, including group dynamics, making each student accountable, and attributional…

Describes how technology helped one elementary teacher meet the needs and celebrate the strengths of all his students in a mixed-ability-grouped, student-centered classroom. Technology allowed the children many more choices for different kinds of learning and helped them develop their individual strengths. (SM)

Two articles discuss changes that are making technology useful to teachers. After examining computer uses in education, the articles describe new research and educational technology trends, and products and projects that got three teachers hooked on technology. (SM)

This study examined the effect of microcomputer use on classroom social organization and curriculum. To determine whether teachers who have a microcomputer available for instruction use time and space differently and make modifications in what they teach and how they teach, observations of four elementary school teachers (grades two through six)…

The Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) research project provides classroom sites with equipment, ongoing support, and training, enabling educators to discover the potential of networked learning environments. ACOT networks link together technology from Apple IIe computers and Image Writer printers, to Macintosh II systems, synthesizers, laserdisc…

Discussion of knowledge maps focuses on a study at Texas Christian University that was conducted to determine the effects of scripted cooperation in a hypermap environment. Hypermap and hypertext versions of MacStat--the software for univariate statistics that was used in the study--are described, and performance measures are explained. (17…

The instructional media created by microcomputers interconnected by modems to form long-distance networks present some powerful new opportunities for education. While other uses of computers in education have been built on conventional instructional models of classroom interaction, instructional electronic networks facilitate a wider use of…

Describes a study of fifth and sixth graders that investigated the effects of cooperative training and ability grouping on microcomputer learning. Results on four measures of achievement did not support the use of cooperative learning or ability grouping to enhance achievement in computer-assisted instruction. (Author/LRW)

Computers are valuable in meeting all students' needs within heterogeneous second-language classrooms, mainly because they allow for individualized learning, interactivity, learner independence, varied learning strategies, and heterogeneous teaching style. Computers help teachers challenge more able learners while supporting less able learners.…

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…

This report summarizes the curriculum development and research effort that took place at the Cupertino Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) site from January through June 1987. Based on the premise that computers make revising and editing much easier, the four major objectives emphasized by the computer-intensive writing program are fluency,…

Nine articles discuss research on cooperative learning with computers and how student interactions at the computer facilitate learning. Current research on cooperative learning methods and computer-assisted learning; and microcomputer-based group problem solving, social-cognitive behaviors, higher order thinking, interdependence, autonomy,…