Examines recent attempts by the Open University to widen access to higher education in the United Kingdom through provision of distance-taught access materials which may be studied prior to enrollment in the undergraduate program. The materials development approach taken is a discourse model which arises out of a view of learning as a…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Sheffield (United Kingdom) that measured the learning behavior and performance of 65 postgraduate students using a hypermedia-based tutorial. Considers cognitive style, levels of prior experience, motivation, age, gender, and navigation patterns. (Author/LRW)

A survey of 42 Irish and Belgian blind and partially sighted students (ages 12 to 18) and interviews with 6 Irish and Belgian mathematics teachers found that few of the students took higher-level mathematics examinations, due primarily to mathematical-access difficulties. A computer-based system providing both menu and command (keyboard and voice)…

Presents a project in which students monitor their use of trash, input and analyze information via a database and computerized graphs, and "reconstruct" extinct or endangered animals from recyclable materials. The activity was done with second-grade students over a period of three to four weeks. (PR)

This exploratory study of graduate students attempts to quantify some of the interactions that take place between learners and a computer-based instructional lesson teaching basic memory skills. Variables studied include age, undergraduate grade point average, sex, and standardized test scores. (Author/LRW)

Examines technology's role in restructuring educational processes, highlighting two approaches to computer-assisted education. The Integrated Learning System aims to transmit knowledge using drills and practice. Tool-based systems focus on students actively developing individual conceptual and cognitive approaches to learning; they should aid…

One trend in educational and cognitive learning theory being adopted by designers of computer-aided learning (CAL) tools and expert systems is case-based reasoning, or the use of previous examples or cases to solve new problems. This article examines principles of this method, including guided exploration, memory aids, and partially self-directed…

Overview of the interactive technologies used by the Northern Territory Secondary Correspondence School in Australia: print media utilizing desktop publishing and electronic transfer; telephone or H-F radio; interactive television; and interactive computing. More fully describes its interactive CD-ROM courses. Emphasizes that the programs are…

Utilizes the Gregoric Style Delineator (GSD) and other questionnaire instruments to determine the effects of learning styles on the effectiveness of music instruction via interactive audio CD-ROM. Results showed little statistical difference between learning styles. Includes concise descriptions of Gregoric and others' research into learning…

Profiles a high school technology teacher and creator of CyberSchool, a distance learning program of the Eugene (Oregon) School District. Discusses Tom Layton's education, early work experience, establishment of a high school English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program, integration of computers into the classroom, reputation as a technology leader,…

Describes the first year of an ongoing professional development school project designed to integrate computer technology into elementary school lessons, while simultaneously providing educational technology experiences for preservice teachers and student teachers, as well as their cooperating teachers and college supervisors. College students…

Describes a pilot program at the Highland Primary School Library (Illinois) to maintain or increase reading motivation and skills for kindergarten through third grade students over the 1999 summer vacation. Discusses grant funds; pretest posttest procedures; parental involvement; technology use; and students without access to the public library.…

Describes a computer-mediated communication course for pre-service teachers that was developed as a problem-based learning environment for virtual interactions between three college campuses. Discusses design issues that include a needs assessment, course content analysis, and designing student activities; development and implementation issues;…

Discussion of the interaction of instructional strategies and learner characteristics focuses on linearity versus nonlinearity, self-regulated learning, and advance organizers in knowledge acquisition in a Web-based hypermedia learning environment. Highlights include results from an analysis of covariance; variables including computer anxiety and…

Describes development and evaluation of an error analysis procedure for a computer-assisted language learning program using natural language processing techniques. The program can be used for learning passive voice in Japanese on any World Wide Web browser. The program enables learners to type sentences freely, detects errors, and displays…