To explore the potential of computer controlled videodiscs for simulating undergraduate science laboratory instruction, the Annenberg/CPB (Corporation for Public Broadcasting) Project funded the University of Nebraska to create and field test six videodisc laboratory experiments, two each in biology, chemistry, and physics. The six discs were…

The conceptual groundwork needed to examine the impact of technology, primarily microcomputers, on student learning is presented. Medium, method, and context are tied with a science of design. In section I, research on technology in higher education is reviewed, medium and method are defined, and interaction with context is discussed. Taxonomies…

With an estimated 17-22 million animals used in laboratories annually in the United States, public interest in animal welfare has sparked an often emotional debate over such uses of animals. Concerns focus on balancing societal needs for continued progress in biomedical and behavioral research, for toxicity testing to safeguard the public, and for…

Microcomputers have the potential to alter the entire learning environment and change the nature of education, but the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) methods developed when computers were less readily available can endanger or retard the change. Designed to increase the efficiency of the teaching of course content, CAI makes no attempt…

Ideas that have been developed in the decision support systems (DSS) literature that seem particularly relevant to institutional research, planning, and analysis (IRPA) are reviewed. In addition, a survey of practitioners in Canadian universities that provides new information on the rapidly changing current state of information technology,…

A study compared the effectiveness of on-the-job work experience (CO-OP) with pre-employment laboratory experience (PEL) of the six instructional areas in vocational education. This was accomplished by obtaining the perceptions of program completers (1983 graduates), participating employers, and vocational education teachers from seven sample…

This study explores a learning model which suggests that a concept is acquired first through manipulation of concrete objects followed by transformation of the concrete objects into semi-concrete representations, followed by internalization of the concept through abstract representations. Microcomputer simulations of manipulative activities were…

One of a series of teacher-developed curriculum guides intended to encourage active student participation and involvement in important social issues, this elementary level guide provides children with an age-appropriate understanding of the process of political elections. Students are encouraged to become aware of what is happening around them…

Research was undertaken to investigate various methods of presentation of a computer based science simulation as it related to student content knowledge of the simulation concepts. Three treatment groups of sixth grade students were used in the study: (1) two students per computer interacting with the simulation; (2) a total class presentation of…

Designed to focus on student learning and to illustrate techniques that might be used with computers to facilitate that process, this paper discusses five types of computer use in educational settings: (1) learning ABOUT computers; (2) learning WITH computers; (3) learning FROM computers; (4) learning ABOUT THINKING with computers; and (5)…

The failure to find strong instructional effects of simulation is usually attributed to poor measurement and faulty research design. However, weak implementation of simulation into the classroom, rather than methodological inadequacy, is presented here as the primary reason for finding insignificant effects. The types of environments under which…

A Mississippi study examined the effects of two instructional techniques using the Ford power train unit as an instructional aid. Eight schools were randomly selected from a population of 33 vocational agricultural departments. Three schools with 10 students from each school were randomly selected and assigned to treatment A, traditional…

A study examined current and alternate mechanisms for alloting federal vocational education funds to states. The approach to analysis was based on a conceptual framework of a range of policy choices that variously defined the federal role in vocational education. Within this framework factors indicative of states' needs for vocational education…

This consumer education resources catalog provides an annotated guide to 16mm films, multi-media kits, video cassettes, simulations and games, and printed materials related to consumer education available from Michigan Department of Education's Regional Education Media Centers. The first major section lists available media by specific subject…

This task-simulation learning module on board meeting preparation for secondary and postsecondary teachers and students, the fourth in a series of eleven task and in-basket simulations, was designed to provide individualized instruction in office occupations courses, such as introductory business and typewriting. (Each of the modules in the set is…