Presents suggestions for helping students learn about probability using coins and a simple spreadsheet. The article details how to brainstorm, gather the necessary data, prepare the spreadsheet, learn from the data, and extend the learning. (SM)

Presents a system in which students in an introductory sociology class use computers to analyze data from the National Opinion Research Center's (NORC) General Social Surveys. Reviews obstacles to the use of computers by both students and instructors and shows how these obstacles can be reduced. (DB)

This study compared computer-assisted instruction and personal instruction with 4 children (ages 4-7) with autism. Although three subjects showed better motivation and fewer behavior problems in the computer-assisted condition, this did not affect their learning rate. (Author/DB)

Children love writing and receiving personal messages. By setting up a mystery pen pal network in the classroom, elementary teachers can get students excited about writing. The article explains how to set up such a network using a computer and a word processing program. (SM)

Teachers can illustrate the relevance and power of good writing by having students write various kinds of letters throughout the year. The article describes such activities as writing thank-you notes, describing a dream vacation, getting published, and establishing pen pals. A student page is included. (SM)

Offers the opinions of faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching associates on the use of electronic technology in the teaching of English. Suggests that most faculty members are receptive to considering new ways of enhancing teaching, and that the faculty needs training for this new responsibility. (CR)

Proposes that automatic speech recognition (ASR) can effectively increase students' learning twofold over conventional self-study materials. Past and current efforts at the U.S. Military Academy are described that are aimed at integrating advanced ASR into courseware-authoring systems. (Author/VWL)

Describes methods and protocols needed for effective classroom interaction in the videoconference instructional environment. Discusses establishing hard-copy materials protocol; acquainting students with the electronic environment; working from consistent staging areas; and utilizing voice-activation microphone, split-screen, and browse protocols.…

Takes a critical look at a popular German-language multimedia package, Learn to Speak German. The evaluation criteria generally comply with current thinking on foreign-language learning. Suggests that while the program in many respects represents the state of the art in language-learning technology, it leaves much to be desired regarding the…

Examines the type of innovation-decision (authority-decision versus optional decision) and type of intervention (concern-based versus non-concern-based) on arousing educators' concerns toward the Internet. Results suggest that authority-decision is more effective than optional-decision and concern-based intervention more effective than…

Discusses the evolution of instructional uses of technology in special education over the last two decades and the changes in thinking and teaching which have moved away from didactic instructional methods to constructivist approaches. Describes how skills instruction can be an important feature of constructivism for teaching special education…

Present studies using the RITA (Readers' Interactive Teaching Assistant) computer-based literacy support system. Notes that the RITA system assists, rather than replaces, the teacher in providing support tailored to each child's profile of reading attainments. Suggests that computer-assisted reading support can be effective in supporting children…

Discusses possibilities and dangers involved with using hypertext for learning; explains how it is similar to and different from other forms of information generation, organization, storage, and retrieval; examines its influence on the information it organizes; and explores problematic issues (including the potential for bias and distortion within…

Assesses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the distance learning approach to education, and discusses how one institution, the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management, has developed a progressively expanding networked distance education program. Includes quotes from three students that suggest the quality of…

This book argues that computers can revolutionize American education and resolve its problems if they are used as private tutors to provide effective, individualized instruction, especially in developing literacy. The book, located at a Web site, is characterized as unwieldy to read right from the computer. (SLD)