Describes a study of 107 sixth graders that investigated the effects of learning strategy training intervention and the incorporation of learner control on achievement, learning efficiency, and instructional choice while subjects learned from a computer-based science tutorial. Principles for instructional design incorporating learner control are…

This study investigated the effect of informational, drill, and game format computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on the achievement, retention, and attitude toward instruction of sixth-grade science students (N=37). An informational CAI lesson on Halley's Comet was administered to three randomly selected groups of sixth-grade students. A CAI drill…

Describes a study of undergraduates at Iowa State University that tested the effectiveness of a computer simulation of electric circuits used in combination with a conceptual change approach to science instruction. Erroneous preconceptions of scientific concepts are discussed, and the use of traditional text is compared with conceptual change…

Describes study that was conducted to examine the effects of animation and practice on factual and application learning in elementary science computer-based instruction (CBI). The extent to which animation and practice promoted near and far transfer of learning outcomes is explored, and effects on processing time are examined. (31 references) LRW)

This research examines the performance, achievement, and attitudinal effects of a dissection alternative, an interactive videodisc-based (IVD) simulation in two ways: as a substitute for dissection and as a preparatory tool used prior to dissection. Sixty-one high school students enrolled in three general ability high school biology classes…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different levels of visual elaborations and practice on application learning of adults in a computer-based science lesson. A total of 141 university students participated in an introductory lesson covering Newtonian mechanics. Three levels of visual elaboration (static graphic, animated…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three levels of learner control (no control, moderate control, and high control) on the achievement and continuing motivation of Hispanic students. Two weeks prior to the experimental part of the study, 101 seventh and eighth grade Hispanics were pre-assessed along an internal-external…

Describes study that was designed to investigate fifth graders' use of microcomputer-based reading assistance for science text comprehension. The three levels of assistance offered are described, the research software created for the project is explained, results are analyzed, and further research needs are suggested. (42 references) (LRW)

Describes a study that investigated the effects of using different forms of computer-based feedback on high school students' learning of science material. Hypotheses tested are discussed, five feedback conditions are described, posttests are explained, and results are discussed in terms of the information processing effects of different feedback…

Describes a study designed to assess the effectiveness of 2 science simulation programs for 11- and 12-year-olds in a developing country (Guyana). Computer-assisted learning (CAL) results are compared with results from written assignments, effect size is discussed, gender differences are examined, and ability levels are considered. (14 references)…

Describes study that investigated achievement and motivation effects related to locus of control and learner control on seventh and eighth grade Hispanic students completing a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) science lesson. Use of the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility scale is discussed, and a questionnaire that assessed student…

The purpose of this study was to examine how learners with different levels of prior understanding of a topic interact and learn from computer-assisted video instruction systems when they have control of content, sequence, pace, and mode of instruction. Based on pretest scores, 80 subjects were randomly selected, half with low prior conceptual…

Describes a study that explored the impact of using interactive video in a seventh grade earth sciences curriculum. The effectiveness of interactive video and traditional text instructional methods in different settings (computer lab versus classroom) are compared, gender differences are examined, and recommendations for future research are given.…

Describes a study conducted in elementary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland that assessed the impact of the use of laptop computers on academic achievement in mathematics, English, and science. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are described, and performance measures are explained. (seven references) (LRW)