Describes and evaluates three computer-assisted simulations used with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. Designed the simulations to reinforce and enhance student understanding of sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and significance tests. Reports evaluations revealed improved student comprehension of…

Four real-time visual feedback computer tools for singing lessons (Singad, Albert, Sing & See, and WinSINGAD), and the research carried out to evaluate the usefulness of these systems are reviewed in this article. We report on the development of user-functions and the usability of these computer-assisted learning tools. Both quantitative and…

This article describes new presentation tools and game shows that can make the classroom into a learning stage. RM Easiteach Studio, a presentation software from RM Educational Software, provides teaching tools for use on any interactive whiteboard. Classroom Jeopardy[R] from Educational Insights includes a scoreboard/base control unit, three…

The article presents empirical evidence for the effectiveness and efficiency of a modified version of Trochim's (1989a, b) concept mapping approach to define the characteristics of an adaptive learning environment. The effectiveness and the efficiency of the method are attributed to the support that it provides in terms of elicitation, sharing,…

Computer-based mathematical cognitive tools (MCTs) are a category of external aids intended to support and enhance learning and cognitive processes of learners. MCTs often contain interactive visual mathematical representations (VMRs), where VMRs are graphical representations that encode properties and relationships of mathematical concepts. In…

This paper examines current practice in the evaluation of learning technology in the UK and proposes a new approach informed by Activity Theory. It is based on our experiences of using Activity Theory to understand students' and lecturers' experiences of technology-based teaching environments. We discuss the activity of evaluating learning…

With the recent technological developments, an opportunity has emerged to introduce more efficient instruction into the classroom. The traditional blackboard approach is gradually giving way to more interaction between the instructor and students. Multimedia can be defined to be multiple forms of media (text, graphics, images, animation, audio and…

This new WebWare combines instructional text and Jmol interactive, animated illustrations that help students visualize the mechanism. It is concluded that by animating the fluxional behavior of a simple model for chiral metal catalyst Sn(amidinate)[subscript 2], in which axial/equatorial exchange within the amidinate rings occurs through a Berry…

A set of sophisticated and realistic laboratory simulations is created for use in freshman- and sophomore-level chemistry classes and laboratories called 'Virtual ChemLab'. A detailed assessment of student responses is provided and the simulation's pedagogical utility is described using the organic simulation.

The paper considers the innovations and impacts of technology on the fine arts. It explores the effect of technology on how music is taught, studied, performed and created. There is a brief historical account of the recent advances in personal computers, MIDI, synthesizers and music software. The standard of technology competency, set by the…

In the computer age, challenges have gained a new quality, and teachers, especially with their pedagogic responsibilities, have gained a new role to play. To familiarize themselves with the new technology and to become aware of its value in language education, the potentials of this new technology can be utilized to enhance the basic language…

This course for middle and high school teachers uses video, online text, classroom activities, and Web-based activities to explore American history from the Pre-Columbian era through Reconstruction. The video programs are divided into three segments: (1) "Historical Perspectives," an overview of the historical era; (2) "Faces of America," in which…

This study examines potential designs in the usage of synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) for communicative language learning in learner-centered communication. In this study, the authors compared four types of SCMC: text-based chat with and without interlocutors' image, video conferencing, and audio conferencing, each supporting of…

This study investigates the differences in children's comprehension and enjoyment of storybooks according to the medium of presentation. Two different storybooks were used and 132 children participated. Of these, 51 children read an extract from "The Magicians of Caprona," about half reading an electronic version with an online dictionary, and the…

Managing the pedagogical aspects of the "computational turn" that is occurring within the Humanities in general and the disciplines associated with cognitive science and neuroscience in particular, first implies facing the challenge of introducing students to computation. This paper presents what has proven to be an efficient approach to bringing…