Fuses theories about Basic Writers and writer's block. Addresses, through the use of hypertext, how computers can help Basic Writers who experience this writing difficulty. Discusses the two main branches of students' difficulties (problems with genre and problems with the linearity of texts) which may be partially alleviated through the…

This study investigated the effects of subject and teaching experience on confidence in computing among teachers in Lebanese schools when using common computer software applications. Results showed significantly different levels of confidence depending on subject, and teachers with more experience had lower levels of confidence. (Author/LRW)

Discusses electronic learning efforts and problems in implementing computers in schools. Defines and describes an electronic educational system model that was developed to assist the designers of different electronic learning settings to plan and successfully implement a specific learning situation, with the focus on the individual requirements of…

This study examined issues in supporting middle school teachers to become more learner centered when implementing computer-based, workplace simulations in their classrooms. Focuses on a participant observation study of two teachers to develop and evolve a framework for professional development that included reflective skills and proximal goals.…

Shows how computers can be highly effective teaching tools through large visual displays in the classroom. Encourages and helps teachers to overcome their resistance to technology. (TB)

Discussion of instructional design for training focuses on the lack of tools that support the developmental phases of analysis, design, and evaluation. Topics include a standard instructional systems design model and an integrated software support system called "Designer's Edge," which focuses on the common activities of instructional…

This primer on authoring tools for training provides tips on selecting software, questions to assess whether to use it, and a directory of companies selling multimedia authoring products. (SK)

States that computer-based instruction (CBI) using multimedia and hypermedia is an approach to teaching that is becoming increasingly popular in academic and nonacademic settings. Reviews findings to help technical communication teachers and practitioners explain the value of audience analysis, goals analysis, and control analysis; accomplish…

Describes the use of SAS/IntrNet, a Web service rather than a Web server, to evaluate and enhance university level Web-based courses. IntrNet provides the ability to create both static and dynamic Web pages, using Web publishing tools to convert SAS output to hypertext markup language for the creation of static Web pages. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that examined current practices of distance educators regarding their use of synchronous (chat) and asynchronous (bulletin board) text-based communication in online courses, based on an ongoing worldwide online survey of distance educators. Discusses reasons for using each type of communication and offers recommendations for…

Defines WebQuests as a specific kind of Web-based learning activity and discusses how to choose and assess WebQuests. Explains a rubric to assess the strengths and weaknesses of WebQuests and includes Web sites to view examples of WebQuests. (LRW)

Considers the effects of feedback on memory with an emphasis on retention of initial error responses. Applies a connectionist approach to explain feedback effects. High school students completed a computer-based lesson with either delayed feedback, single-try immediate feedback, or multiple-try immediate feedback. Findings indicate a connectionist…

Discusses distributed cognition theory, a viable framework and methodology for examining interactions between individuals and artifacts, and how it relates to performance support. Highlights include knowledge representation; applications in learning and performance support; learning communities; collaborative learning; and computer technology and…

Describes a collaborative effort in using the Blackboard CourseInfo quiz generator to make online quizzes available to students taking intermediate Japanese. Because of the convenience of online delivery, these quizzes are well suited to the needs of today's liberal arts students who often participate in many extracurricular activities.…

Presents a Japanese multimedia project and discusses its main characteristics and the basic structure of the modules, as well as the results from an evaluation study. Shares what has been learned through the development and evaluation process. (Author/VWL)