Describes results of a meta-analysis that was performed to synthesize existing research on the effects of computer programing on cognitive outcomes. Effect size is used to evaluate studies that used experimental and control groups to assess the relationship between computer programing and cognitive skills, and outcome measures are discussed. (79…

Discussion of bibliographic instruction for users of CD-ROM products highlights computer-based tutorials (CBT) that were developed at the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario. Structured searching is described, and problems created by the lack of commercial CD-ROM tutorials and adequate training videos are…

Suggests ways that the school library media specialist can help students become more successful as users of online information. Four types of barriers to becoming informed are described: (1) indicative access barriers (indexing systems and relevance); (2) physical access to documents identified in a search; (3) linguistic barriers; and (4)…

Presents an overview of research issues that have confronted the Interactive Technologies Division (ITD) of the Children's Television Workshop (CTW) and proposes a model for integrating research into the software design process. Highlights include the role of research literature; and formative research relating to software, interactive compact…

Three studies examined the effects of parent educational level on parental attitudes toward the importance of education for their children, Mexican parents' and teachers' attitudes toward the importance of computer training in Mexican schools, and the effects of a parent literacy/computer literacy program on low-income, low-literacy parents and…

Demonstrates how to construct rational, exponential, and sinusoidal functions that appear normal on one scale but exhibit interesting hidden behavior when viewed on another scale. By exploring these examples, students learn the importance of scale, window size, and resolution effects in computer and calculator graphing. (MAZ)

Stresses using the features of graphing calculators to teach parametric equations much earlier in the curriculum than is presently done. Examples using parametric equations to teach slopes and lines in beginning algebra, inverse functions in advanced algebra, the wrapping function, and simulations of physical phenomena are presented. (MAZ)

A mathematical model is used to represent a physical problem. The resulting polynomial is graphed and analyzed. Students are asked to plot families of related polynomial functions and observe patterns. A partial list of possible observations is included. End behavior, complete graph, and classroom use of technology are discussed. (GW)

Presents an overview of educational computing for the nonspecialist classroom teacher. Describes computer-assisted instruction and reviews recent technological developments in the field. Predicts increasingly creative and efficient use of computers and software by teachers and students in all humanities disciplines. (CFR)

Reviews computer software programs that focus on mathematics skills for students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as a mathematics activity book that includes a computer software disc for young children. (BB)

Describes NEMATODE GLOSSARY, a hypertext glossary of terminology used in graduate nematology courses. Glossary definitions of anatomical terms are linked to color illustrations. Common names of plant and animal parasites and mnemonic codes for nematode genes are in separate appendices. (Author/MDH)

Examines the dialog of 82 secondary school students in Glasgow (Scotland) (13 male, 12 female, and 16 mixed-sex pairs) working in pairs on a computer-presented task to determine gender differences in expression of opinion. Implications of the differences between genders in interaction style and manner of progress through the task are discussed.…

Describes a software library developed to teach biophysics and physiology undergraduates that includes software on (1) the Hodgkin-Huxley model for excitation of action potentials in electrically excitable cells; (2) a random-walk model of diffusion; (3) single voltage-gated ion channels; (4) steady-state chemically mediated transport; and (5)…

Describes the use of a computer simulation, "The Competitive Edge," in a college-level course in labor relations. Describes the content, implementation procedures, and assessment design of the simulation. Concludes that, although some improvements could be made, the program is a valuable and useful simulation of labor market decision…

This study of 40 undergraduates examined whether aiding as cognitive support (i.e., offering computer users knowledge they are missing) can supplement lack of knowledge and capacity under tasks with high mental loading, such as dealing with irregularities in process control. Users of a railway traffic control simulator dealt better and faster with…