Explores the potential for and limitations to learning science when middle-school students interact with computer simulations designed by scientists and built by professional programmers. Findings suggest that computer simulations can be used effectively when teachers use learning needs to guide choice of pedagogical style and alternate…

Examines barriers to student participation in online conferences, including psychological/social forces and software limitations. Proposes the following ways to encourage student input: require participation; form learning teams; make activities interesting; don't settle just for opinions; structure activities; require hand-in assignments; know…

Presents an authoring environment dedicated to the development of curriculum and course material that can be handled by an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS). The adopted curriculum model is Curriculum Representation and Acquisition Model (CREAM) which represents subject-matter content from the domain, the pedagogical, and the didactic points of…

The Technology Enhancing Achievement in Middle School (TEAMS) instructional model is an instructional approach in which technology plays an integral part in the curriculum. This article describes why TEAMS was developed, how instructional units are organized, presents key elements of the model, and first year results. Includes a sample sixth grade…

In an effort to connect current research findings on teacher thinking with components of instructional design models and principles, this article discusses a new contextual model for thinking about teaching and considers the implications of the model for instructional development of research in instructional design and teacher thinking. (Author)

Describes design considerations that were made for a software prototype called the Virtual Library that were framed by cognitive research and learning theory. When completed, the software will assist preservice teachers in learning about educational psychology and instructional design. Topics include constructivism, exploratory learning, authentic…

Describes the adaptation of a traditional graduate-education course to an online format. Compares this course with an undergraduate model. Discusses course requirements of the graduate online course, creation of the online community, student attitudes, and problems. Offers advice for course planning and development, course orientation, and…

Describes a new scholarly review process for courseware and other interactive learning and information system products. The purpose is to provide a mechanism to support faculty in the creative scholarship of designing and developing interactive products, evaluating their quality, disseminating results, and providing opportunities for the…

Discusses interaction in Web-based distance education for post-secondary students. Topics include designing interaction; asynchronous versus synchronous communication; individual, small group, and mass communications; interpersonal and intrapersonal interaction; teacher-directed versus student self-directed learning; task/content interaction…

Examines three integrated-courseware systems for Web-based online courses and considers the integration of pedagogy in courseware authoring systems. Topics include knowledge; learning; motivation; and pedagogy based on effective use of electronic learning environments for the development of cognitive skills through access to information,…

Describes some aspects of practical work in science education which can be supported by information and communications technology (ICT). Presents issues to consider when planning ICT-based practical work. (WRM)

Presents ideas for distance learning courses on the Web. Topics include students' individual characteristics; technology changes and problems; instructional design; deadlines for student assignments; monitoring student progress; giving students appropriate and timely feedback; time factors for students and teachers; active learning; and student…

Discusses the use of constructivist frameworks to develop effective and successful learning environments, including educational software. Topics include technology supporting reform; virtuality and multimedia; attributes of interactive multimedia and virtual reality; and examples of context and learner active participation. (Contains 35…

Suggests that "digital differences" is a more appropriate view of the situation facing educators than the concept of the "digital divide." Introduces five principles providing direction for the design and development of technology-enhanced educational activities appropriate to the diversity of students-with-computer-access:…

Discusses major outcome goals and proposes the use of a system of learning strategies and instructional procedures known as content enhancement with an academically diverse group of students, including gifted students with learning disabilities. Content-enhancing instructional routines focus on organization, understanding, recall, and application…