There are a number of issues to consider in choosing tests, including alignment of tests and standards, the integration of tests with curriculum and instruction, the quality of the tests, and a clear definition of the purpose of the test. To address the various needs reflected by these issues, PLATO Learning, Inc., offers two curriculum-wide…

An evaluation was conducted to determine how the PLATO Pathways program was used in three high schools in Volusia County, Florida: Deland, New Smyrna Beach, and Atlantic. Of the many PLATO sites in Volusia, these three were selected for study because of the representative patterns of low, medium, and high PLATO use. PLATO is a computer learning…

In this paper, the theory of variation in the tradition of phenomenographic research approach is placed in the context of Dynamic Geometry Environment (DGE). Central concepts of discernment, variation, simultaneity and space of learning in the theory of variation are discussed for simple dragging episodes in DGE to illustrate the potential…

This paper describes the development of two new corpus-based Dutch spelling guides using language data gathered by the Institute for Dutch Lexicology, a research institute subsidized by the Dutch and Belgian governments. The guides were produced in 1990 and 1995. The guides are based on two earlier ones, published in 1866 and 1954, but attempt to…

The third session of IT@EDU98 consisted of five papers on educational software and was chaired by Tran Van Hao (University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). "Courseware Engineering" (Nguyen Thanh Son, Ngo Ngoc Bao Tran, Quan Thanh Tho, Nguyen Hong Lam) briefly describes the use of courseware. "Machine Discovery Theorems in Geometry: A…

Originally written for adult new readers involved in literacy programs, this book is also helpful to those individuals who want a basic book about computers. It uses the carefully controlled vocabulary with which adult new readers are familiar. Chapter 1 addresses the widespread use of computers. Chapter 2 discusses what a computer is and…

The Secondary Analysis of TIMSS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) Video Data study used TIMSS Videotape Classroom Study data and vPrism software to achieve methodological and substantive findings on teacher quality, instructional practices, and classroom interactions. It discussed methodological and technical issues arising…

The software "Breakthrough to Literacy" was introduced in kindergarten classrooms in a suburban school district in 1999 and focuses on oral language development. Through observations, the author studied the effects the software had on individual children's oral language and pre-reading readiness skills. Along with reading skill development, oral…

This paper focuses on the experiences and the research of two communication instructors who are currently using Blackboard CourseInfo, an online software program, to enhance learning and communication. The paper states that ,in 1999, Ohio University made Blackboard CourseInfo available to its faculty to enable instructors to have the option of…

Given the right hardware and software, digital information is easy to create, copy, and disseminate; however it is very hard to preserve. At present, it is impossible to guarantee the longevity and legibility of digital information for even one human generation. Migration can be defined as the periodic transfer of digital materials from one…

This paper begins with a discussion of the characteristics and the singularity of chaotic systems, including dynamic systems theory, chaotic orbit, fractals, chaotic attractors, and characteristics of chaotic systems. The second section addresses the digital libraries (DL) concept and the appropriateness of chaotic models, including definition and…

In 1985 The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) conducted an extensive investigation of student academic readiness for Texas' institutions of higher education. From the study it was learned that 30% of the students were unable to read, write or compute at desired performance levels. The state's response was the Texas Academic Skills…

This study examines whether an analysis of characteristics of libraries or information centers and librarians in highly productive companies yields operational models and standards that can improve their efficiency and effectiveness and their parent organization's productivity. Data was collected using an e-mail survey instrument sent to 500 large…

One of the central notions of the ARIADNE learning platform is a share-and-reuse approach toward the development of digital course material. The ARIADNE infrastructure includes a distributed database called the Knowledge Pool System (KPS), which acts as a repository of pedagogical material, described with standardized IEEE LTSC Learning Object…

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) that support collaboration are one of the new technologies that have attracted great interest. VLEs are learning management software systems composed of computer-mediated communication software and online methods of delivering course material. This paper presents ELearn, a collaborative VLE for teaching…