Presents research in physics education whose main aim is to design hypermedia software dedicated to science teaching on the basis of learning hypotheses related to the knowledge to be learned. Includes a theoretical framework; design principles; and an example of the application of the framework. (Author/LRW)

Introduces the Inventive Model, a constructivist approach to conceptual change, as a theoretical base for science instruction and for software development in science education. Highlights include the hesitancy of some school systems to implement computer-assisted science instruction, student misconceptions, and cognitive approaches to conceptual…

Describes the Space Shuttle Commander software package, which utilizes the dynaturtle microworld to teach elementary and middle school students about Newton's laws of motion. Design considerations for computer-based microworlds that represent a compromise between the philosophies of constructivism and direct instruction are presented. (91…

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…

Contends that developing computer displays of dynamic motion offers a means to help students understand complex chemistry concepts. Describes how to set up a computer animation team, gives an example of the animation of chemical processes in a standard hydrogen electrode, illustrates how to teach with animations, recommends hardware and software…

Describes a multimedia course in engineering developed to serve course materials to students in a more realistic form so that they will better understand the relevance of the material. Defines multimedia, discusses the advantages of multimedia presentation of course material, and provides details of the tools used in this project. (DDR)

Describes a spreadsheet system that enables students, teachers, and curriculum developers to use Microsoft EXCEL's database and graphics capabilities in the science classroom. System design goals are explained, examples of system applications are given, and possible future developments are discussed. (15 references) (LRW)

Discusses the Baltimore Learning Community Project, a collaborative effort that includes the Baltimore City Public Schools, the University of Maryland (UM), and Johns Hopkins University. Focuses on the UM component that involves the development of telecommunications software applications for middle school science and social studies teachers.…

Demonstrates the importance of Real-Time, Sensor-Based (RTSB) computing and how it can be easily and effectively integrated into university student laboratories. Describes the experimental processes, the process instrumentation and process-computer interface, the computer and communications systems, and typical software. Provides much technical…

Discusses exemplary teacher and student characteristics that can provide the base to generate an Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction (ICAI) shell. Outlines the expertise, learning, student-model, and inference modules of an ICAI shell. Describes the development of an ICAI shell for an undergraduate course in human physiology. (33 references)…

Discusses various aspects of multimedia instruction, including differences in goals from those of computer-assisted instruction; guidelines for the successful use of interactive multimedia instruction; the use of multimedia lessons in an introductory chemistry course; applications of multimedia instruction for indexing, hypermedia, simulations,…

Investigates how the design, creation, and revision of animated models that tell a science story can assist young bilingual children in science learning. Findings show that the animated software provided students with access to a world that is normally unavailable in real time; they were also able to manipulate science concepts and connect…

The in-house development at Iowa State University of 30 scientific animations for biology instruction is described, from conceptual drawing board to actual use in lecture halls and computer labs. Recommendations for the design, creation, and implementation of animations are outlined. Production is guided by practical technical considerations as…

The ways in which Digital Video Interactive (DVI), a new video technology, can help students learn concepts of physics were studied in a project that included software design and production as well as formative and summative evaluation. DVI provides real-time motion, with the full-motion image contained to a window on part of the screen so that…

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,…