The use of reflection and analysis in preparation of elementary and secondary preservice teachers has become a standard practice aimed at helping them develop the capacity to engage in intentional and systematic investigation of their practice. Editing video may be a more powerful tool than writing reflections based on memory to help preservice…

This article helps designers of Web-based science instruction construct analogies that are as effective as those used in classrooms by exemplary science teachers. First, the authors explain what analogies are, how analogies foster learning, and what form analogies should take. Second, they discuss science teachers' use of analogies. Third, they…

Describes a computer program for designing tests and grading students in a college chemistry course. (RAO)

Using a specific course as an example, article presents a general approach to curriculum design, the computer techniques employed, the results obtained and the changes and adaptations which might be useful. (Author)

Article concerns preliminary research into teacher reactions and attitudes concerning COMBASI in two distinct instructional settings. (Author)

Describes the development of "Alien Rescue," a hypermedia-based program designed to engage middle school students in solving a complex problem related to the solar system and that has a science fiction premise. Discusses planning; producing and testing; theoretical influences on the design methodology; and trends in educational software…

Examines constructivism in online learning, suggesting that part of the cause of the gap that exists between educational theorists and science instructors about how subjects can be taught appears to be due to different beliefs about what it is possible to learn. Illustrates a scientist's approach through examples of an online course designed by…

Reports on a survey of computer use administered to 400 elementary mathematics or science teachers in South Carolina. Inquiries included: (1) purposes for which used; (2) brands available; (3) recommended software; (4) effects on students; (5) teacher training; and (6) audio or video packages used. (9 references) (MES)

Discussion of inquiry and technology within elementary and secondary school science curriculum focuses on WISE (Web-Based Inquiry Science Environment) that was developed to provide effective designs for inquiry activities and assessments, technology supports for students and teachers, authoring partnerships to create a library of inquiry projects,…

This article presents findings from research in a school district using handhelds to support writing across the curriculum. The authors report that handheld devices can be useful to foster classroom note-taking activities, assist students who have handwriting difficulties, and provide inspiration to teachers who want to create collaborative and…

Describes a study of eighth-grade students that investigated the impact of computer simulations on students' ability to generalize scientific concepts from classroom to naturally occurring problems. A curriculum for teaching thermodynamics that was reformulated to emphasize integration of understanding is described, and student reactions are…

Describes the Taliesin Project, a current curriculum materials research and development effort whose main goals are (1) the development of a computer-aided classroom instructional tool for grades six through eight based on hypermedia technology, and (2) the development of a multidisciplinary curriculum to help develop stronger interests in…

A study of eighth grade science students compared the instructional effectiveness and the cost effectiveness of an interactive video system with the use of 16mm films for teaching a science unit. Results indicated that interactive video can be significantly more effective than conventional methods of instruction. (eight references) (LRW)

This overview of computer based education (CBE) in China mentions pioneering work before describing recent activities in university-based research and development and the expansion of CBE into primary and secondary education. Developments in authoring and word processing systems in Chinese characters and problems to be faced are also discussed.…