An evaluation of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in economics showed that CAI does improve student scores but not significantly more than traditional assignments. Results indicated that CAI is better than just using lectures to teach economics, and that, while, CAI is not better than traditional assignments, it is not any worse. (RM)

Considers some possibilities for using computers in foreign language instruction and in teaching English as a second language. Looks at three modes in which the computer may be used: as tutor, tool, and tutee. Demonstrates uses of some of the available software in each of these modes. (SED)

Ten guidelines for the reading teacher to aid in finding programs that will become an indispensable part of reading activities in the classroom. (CRH)

Describes the strategies used by a technical writing teacher who encouraged a dyslexic university engineering student to use a microcomputer as an aid in composition writing, and discusses how a word processing program was used to make the writing process easier and increase the student's self-confidence. (MBR)

Describes the development and evaluation of machinery for the visual feedback of intonation at the Institute for Phonetics, Nijmegen (The Netherlands). In terms of possible applications to second language language learning, equipment such as a pitch visualizer could assist the teaching of pronunciation and intonation, as well as be incorporated…

Discusses criteria for choosing composition software. Poses six questions for further research in evaluating the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction in composition. (HTH)

Examines a method of using computers in teaching English as a second language to promote functional use of language. Describes the development of language through a communicative approach where the use of English focuses on the task of graphic design, and where one student teaches another. (EKN)

This study focuses on the effects of map display and modality on learning geographical maps in a computer-based environment. Participants were randomly assigned to four versions of a computer program created by crossing two levels of map display (hypertext vs. rollover) with two levels of modality (audio vs. audio and text). Results showed that…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) versus traditional lecture-type instruction on triangles. Two quasi experiments were conducted in six 6th grade classes with a total of 108 students respectively. The students in the control groups were taught the concepts of triangles in their…

As part of an effort to begin offering a general chemistry course over the Internet, a project was undertaken at Kansas's Johnson County Community College to determine the possibilities of using a computer to incorporate the tools used in teaching organic chemistry. Using an interactive software package, original lectures were developed, with…

Scaffolding refers to a temporary support framework used during construction. Applied to teaching and learning it describes measures to support a learner to become confident and self-reliant in a subject. In a Web environment scaffolding features need to replace the instructor. This paper discusses an approach to Web-based scaffolding based on the…

Instructional design for Web-based teaching and learning environments causes problems for two reasons. First, virtual forms of teaching and learning result in little or no direct contact between instructor and learner, making the evaluation of course effectiveness difficult. Second, the Web as a relatively new teaching and learning medium still…

Standardization initiatives in the field of learning technologies have produced standards for the interoperability of learning environments and learning management systems. Learning resources based on these standards can be reused, recombined, and adapted to the user. However, these standards follow a content-oriented approach; the process of…

This paper discusses a case study of the implementation of the computer software, "Boxer," in a single sixth-grade classroom. The paper reports on the process of teacher learning accompanying the assimilation of a new technology into this classroom. A case study approach was used because the teacher taught a 4-week class using Boxer to…

This study examined the relationship between elementary teachers' pedagogical beliefs and the level of their instructional computer use. Participating teachers had 2 years of experience using a computer network that provided students with an integrated learning system, several word processing packages, desktop publishing, a multimedia…