This brochure discusses, in lay terms, how computers process language and why they may have difficulty in processing English. The brochure points out that English is a more difficult language to process than most people think, and that the brain is far more complex than the computer in its ability to decipher meaning. The examples of the word…

Three computer-based systems for phonetic/graphemic transcription of language are described, compared, and contrasted. The text is entirely in French, with examples given from the French language. The three approaches to transcription are: (1) text entered in standard typography and exiting in phonetic transcription with markers for rhythmic…

The idea of using "Learning Objects" in teaching has become very popular in the last few years. Although the concept of using objects in teaching is not new, the power of the computer technology and the Internet gives educators large opportunities and endless combination of possibilities in applying new theories to web-based education.…

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting funded a national study of public radio programming since 1986. The 1996 programming study was conducted by National Public Radio's Audience Research department and had participation by 633 stations. Two-thirds of the stations reported broadcasting 24 hours per day, compared to one-third of stations in 1986.…

Since 1983, the Maryland University Project in Physics and Educational Technology (M.U.P.P.E.T.) has been investigating the implication of including student programming in an introductory physics course for physics majors. Many significant changes can result. One can rearrange some content to be more physically appropriate, include more realistic…

This paper proposes an item selection algorithm that can be used to neutralize the effect of time limits in computer adaptive testing. The method is based on a statistical model for the response-time distributions of the test takers on the items in the pool that is updated each time a new item has been administered. Predictions from the model are…

The use of programming language was studied in an eighth grade science classroom. The goal of the EMERGE curriculum is to enable students to understand the global patterns that they observe. EMERGE was used in an eighth-grade classroom of 12 students, with a range of abilities (3 had learning disabilities), in 21 sessions over 3 months. For the…

Finds that "PM Magazine" emphasized and promoted a dominant personal success value system revolving around recognition, achievement, financial success, excitement, and physical attributes. Argues that this value system existed because it appealed to a particular demographic, making the program highly marketable to national advertisers,…

Introductory courses in computer science at colleges and universities have undergone significant changes in 20 years. This article provides an overview of the history of introductory computer science (FORTRAN, ANSI flowchart symbols, BASIC, data processing concepts, and PASCAL) and its future (robotics and C++). (PEN)

This article focuses on research findings concerning the relationship between young children's computer use in the classroom and constructivist education. Three ways of using computers emerged: computers as books or workbooks; computers for word processing; and computer programming of graphics. It was concluded that word processing was most…

This article describes Minnesota Computerized Adaptive Testing Language program code for using the MicroCAT 3.5 testing software to administer several types of self-adapted tests. Code is provided for: a basic self-adapted test; a self-adapted version of an adaptive mastery test; and a restricted self-adapted test. (Author/SLD)

Compares seven mid- to high-end multimedia authoring software systems that combine graphics, sound, animation, video, and text for Windows and Macintosh platforms. A run-time project was created with each program using video, animation, graphics, sound, formatted text, hypertext, and buttons. (LRW)

Discusses the evolution of authoring tools and hypermedia learning systems based on technological and pedagogical innovations. Highlights include instructional products; computer-based instruction and Web-based instruction; classes of authoring tools; Web-based course management tools; scalability and usability; object oriented designs; learners…

Discusses how the design and implementation of problem-solving tools used in programming instruction are complementary with both the theories of problem-based learning (PBL), including constructivism, and the practices of distributed education environments. Examines how combining PBL, Web-based distributed education, and a problem-solving…

Discussion of learners' prior knowledge focuses on a method for exploring common-sense reasoning by engaging secondary school students in the development of an expert system representing their own intuitive expertise. Students' intuitive concerns are discussed; patterns of reasoning are examined; and epistemic planes are described. (23 references)…