Describes a "virtual" magnet school in Massachusetts for high school math and science that uses telecommunications to link students, universities, and corporate advisors. University and corporate roles are discussed, a summer institute is described, and sample research activities are included. (LRW)

Presents a brief overview of the recent history and current state of computers as instructional tools for history. Maintains that, although computer use in social science research has increased, most classroom instruction remains static. Includes several descriptions of programs and applications for classrooms. (MJP)

Describes an interactive computer simulation where the student assumes the role of a reporter searching for a missing biologist in Columbia. The search involves simulated news broadcasts, documentary footage, and interviews with Colombians, all in Spanish. The student accesses help via electronic archives (translated words) and faxing the editor.…

Describes a computer software program that allows students, working independently and interactively with the computer, to select alternative market conditions and/or policies and view the results numerically as well as graphically. Discusses options and models provided by the software as well as classroom applications. (MJP)

Describes a program at an Illinois middle school that was designed to increase reading achievement, vocabulary, and the enjoyment of reading. Highlights include the library's role; use of the Standardized Test for Assessment of Reading; the Accelerated Reader program; teacher training; teacher comments; and grant funds. Four appendices include:…

Describes theoretical and practical problems facing the field of early reading, examining: readers and texts (reader processes, text difficulty, linguistic and cultural knowledge, and unique learners); home and school (home-school match, communities and reading, preschools as contexts for reading acquisition, and best practices); and policy and…

This study investigated the impact of haptic augmentation of a science inquiry program on students' learning about viruses and nanoscale science. The study assessed how the addition of different types of haptic feedback (active touch and kinesthetic feedback) combined with computer visualizations influenced middle and high school students'…

This study examined the effect of a computer-enhanced problem-based learning (PBL) environment on middle school students' learning, investigating the relationship among students' self-efficacy, attitude toward science, and achievement. As Bandura defined it (1986), self-efficacy refers to the beliefs people have about whether or not they can…

To gain the full educational benefits of the major new investments in corporate technologies supporting online teaching and learning it is argued that a strategic, systems based approach to academic professional development (APD) is required. Such an approach requires a clear view of the key areas of potential and enduring teaching and learning…

This paper discusses the effectiveness of a web-based learning programme of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for British students from ethnic minority backgrounds. Original web-based materials for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) were developed and 43 student volunteers participated in two different modes of learning during the 9-week long…

The identification and integration of reusable and customizable CSCL (Computer Supported Collaborative Learning) may benefit from the capture of best practices in collaborative learning structuring. The authors have proposed CLFPs (Collaborative Learning Flow Patterns) as a way of collecting these best practices. To facilitate the process of CLFPs…

The purpose of this paper is threefold. Firstly, it will review the theories and practice of on-line learning and the need for new roles in the development of new media delivery systems. Secondly, the current status of university teachers will be analyzed within the context of the new roles. And thirdly, new roles for teachers and course designers…

Hybrid learning, or blended learning, has become an interesting learning delivery method in recent years. Many universities have sought to develop their own hybrid learning courses as another option for students and instructors who prefer to replace some portion of traditional face-to-face meeting time with online instruction. This paper provides…

This paper describes two empirical studies which investigated the importance for spatial learning of view control and object manipulation within 3D environments. A 3D virtual chemistry laboratory was used as the research instrument. Subjects, who were university undergraduate students (34 in the first study and 80 in the second study), undertook…

We describe the design of a knowledge-building environment and examine the role of knowledge-building portfolios in characterizing and scaffolding collaborative inquiry. Our goal is to examine collaborative knowledge building in the context of exploring the alignment of learning, collaboration, and assessment in computer forums. The key design…