Despite the well-known potential of computer technology to promote achievement and motivational gains among social studies learners, there is very little reported use of microcomputers in social studies classrooms. Factors contributing to this lack of use include: (a) lack of microcomputers for teacher use, (b) lack of high quality software, (c)…

Most of the essays in this collection originated as presentations at the University of California, Los Angeles, Conference on Computers and Writing, held in May 1985. Issues addressed in the volume range from concrete, practical considerations (such as designing classroom exercises) to political and theoretical ones (such as the instructor's…

The purpose of the research was to manipulate two aspects of genetics instruction in order to measure their effects on college, introductory biology students' achievement in genetics. One instructional sequence that was used dealt first with monohybrid autosomal inheritance patterns, then sex-linkage. The alternate sequence was the reverse.…

Focusing on the reading-thinking-learning process, the classrooms in which such processes occur, and the means for studying these processes, this book presents essays on teaching, learning, and assessing the reading process. The first section contains essays on learning contexts that are interactive and participatory, while essays in the second…

This paper focuses on the applications which best suit the microcomputer in an educational setting with emphasis on adapting effective pedagogical practice to the computer's programability and delivery capabilities. Discovery learning and "being told" are identified as two types of computer assisted instruction (CAI) and sample uses of…

Work with PLATO, a computer-based teaching system which provides a means for individualizing instruction, is described. Children sit at terminals and respond to directives and questions on the screen by touching it or by typing a message. PLATO responds, and prescribes work in accordance with the child's previous performance. Curricular materials…

Intended for educators at all levels, this paper traces the development of the computer from its beginnings to the present and discusses how computers can best be used in education. The first section of the paper describes major developments in the history of the computer, including the machine invented by W. Schickard and the computer constructed…

The purpose of this booklet is to help teachers become familiar with current research-based spelling trends so that they can apply them in their classrooms. The first section of the booklet reviews current trends likely to influence spelling instruction, including practices related to the writing process, studying spelling from the learner's…

This paper presents research on the concept of idealized learning environments called Havens that facilitate learning, introduces the topic of technologically-created Havens, and discusses various components of Havens that can facilitate comprehension. Three experiments involving college students at Vanderbilt University are described. Designed to…

This issue presents an overview of research in computer-based language instruction using the PLATO IV computer system. The following articles are presented: (1) "Language Study and the PLATO system," by R. Hart; (2) "Reflections on the Use of Computers in Second-Language Acquisition," by F. Marty; (3) "Computer-Based…

The Teaching Information Processing System (TIPS), a computer-augmented instructional aid, provides individualized instruction for large numbers of students. The TIPS procedure involves the following: (1) instructor preparation of a detailed course outline; (2) delineation of course concept areas and objectives; (3) creation and weekly…

Using a $274,300 grant from the National Science Foundation, Miami-Dade Community College augmented its Mathematics Learning Center with a multi-media, computer-assisted program of individualized instruction designed to efficiently aid the growing number of students with mathematics deficiencies. This program has three interlocking components. The…

TO DETERMINE WHAT EFFECTS A STUDENT TEACHER'S COURSE WORK HAS ON HIS ACTUAL CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR, 22 STUDENT TEACHERS WERE GIVEN 90 HOURS OF OBSERVATION AND BEHAVIOR TRAINING, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE FLANDERS SYSTEM OF INTERACTION ANALYSIS. A CONTROL GROUP OF 22 STUDENTS WAS GIVEN TRAINING IN LEARNING THEORY. THE FLANDERS SYSTEM WAS USED TO…

Simulation games serve many functions, but the important one to educators is that they present the student player with a real-life situation allowing him to use his knowledge and abilities while discovering decision-making skills for himself. To provide a basic reference on simulation gaming, essays on various aspects of games were collected from…

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an instructional model which utilized the computer to produce individually prescribed instructional guides in physics at the secondary school level. The sample consisted of three classes. Of these, two were randomly selected to serve as the treatment groups, e.g., individualized instruction and…