Computers may help students delve farther into social studies research topics. The role of the computer in database management is explored in this article. (DF)

This study tested the hypothesis that children bring specifiable expectations to their use of interactive computer programs, and that these expectations will determine, to a large extent, which features of a given program will be motivating to a child. It is also argued that the different genres of interactivity relied upon by software designers…

The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate that new and highly effective computer-based learning tools can be designed by adhering to a simple principle: Good learning tools conform to and support the processes and structures that comprise learning. The paper first discusses the processes involved in learning cognitive skills, then describes…

Describes three encyclopedias available on CD-ROM: (1) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia; (2) World Book's Information Finder; and (3) Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia. Ideas for how they might be used in the classroom are suggested, information retrieval versus motivation is discussed, learning processes are examined, and stand-alone versus…

The handbook describes first year results of a project involving microcomputers in the education of behaviorally disordered students. Following an overview of computer assisted instruction (CAI), the book specifies project goals and research questions. Software selection is examined in terms of instructional factors, program decisions, and…

Computers can be used to teach reading to reading-disabled students in three modes: the tutor mode, tool mode, and tutee mode. The computer's ability to improve motivation and to provide versatility is examined. A vignette is presented of computer use in the instructional program of a reading-disabled nine-year-old. (Author/JDD)

Use of computers by young children may increase cognitive development and motivation. Computer use may also increase capabilities of disabled children. Concerns about young children's use of computers center on the nature of software, cultural values reflected in software, and equity of computer use. (NH)

This paper discusses four areas in the psychology literature that have important implications for the instructional design of microcomputer-based simulations. The first one examined is cognitive structures, and the following suggestions for instructional design are offered: simulations should be appropriate for students' level of understanding;…

A practicum involved the creation of an instructional unit that used a microcomputer and a graphic writing program, Transportation Transformation, to motivate at-risk learners to write (focusing on creative stories) as well as to increase their writing. The target population consisted of fourth graders who were attending Birch Lane Elementary…

Three general areas in which technology (microcomputers and video technology) can facilitate learning are discussed: (1) helping students develop fluency (rapid recognition of familiar patterns); (2) providing rich problem-solving contexts that invite thinking; and (3) enabling students to create products that catch the attention of their teachers…

How microcomputers can be used in the elementary social studies classroom to teach and reinforce new concepts, to relieve teachers of a variety of time-consuming chores, and to motivate students to produce creative projects is discussed. (RM)

Adventure games designed for use on home computers are a potentially powerful instructional resource in English as a second language because they promote problem-solving using the target language and are highly motivating to students. The games, whose objective is usually for the user to defeat an obscure force and recover a precious object, are…

Using current technology and learning theory, computer-controlled literature programs have been and will be developed that allow children to interact with literature. This technique will help students' reading concepts fall into place more rapidly and gain the interest of those who do not respond well to traditional print media. (SRT)

Discussion of involving teachers and students in the learning process focuses on an approach that combined microcomputers, video cassette recorders, and print materials to design a high school algebra class. Course design is explained, software and hardware are described, improvement in student motivation is reported, and costs are considered.…

This review of the research on concerns associated with the use of computers in school learning environments focuses primarily on issues related to the impact of computer technology on equity, especially the reasons for differential use of computers by boys and girls and the effects of economic disparities among schools and students; differences…