"DaisyQuest" is a software bundle that offers computer-assisted instruction in phonological awareness, targeting children aged three to seven years. The instructional activities, framed in a fairy tale involving a search for a friendly dragon named Daisy, teach children how to recognize words that rhyme; words that have the same…

In this paper we consider an experiment in which 15 years old students explore a phenomenon of covariance, by using Cabri for drawing geometric figures, measuring, and sketching graphs. In this way they collect different types of information. A first research question is how students deal with them in situations of exploration, in particular,…

This book follows students' natural progression from measuring with informal or nonstandard units to using standard units to measure such attributes as length, weight, angle, and temperature. Activities extend students' learning to the measurement of two- and three-dimensional objects. Students work in a variety of lively real-world contexts,…

This paper describes a public/private partnership program designed to provide staff development to help classroom teachers integrate technology in the curriculum by using the train-the-trainer model. The Intel[R] Teach to the Future Project was developed by Intel[R] in collaboration with other public and private sector partners, and has been…

This handbook can help PreK-12 educators make the transition from technology-based learning modalities and integrate elements of distance learning into their curriculum. With emphasis on Internet-based delivery formats, the book presents the latest research and proven techniques for creating effective distance learning opportunities that enhance…

Asynchronous learning (ASL) tools are being used at colleges and universities in many countries around the world, but the majority of implementations are to enhance or support the traditional classroom environment rather than to provide asynchronous on-line classes. This paper presents a succinct review of some major issues that have caused this…

This paper presents a Web-based environment (Web-course) designed for large groups distance learning programs in which students may benefit from the availability of large user and information bases, without losing the advantages of working in small groups. The system implements concepts of Social Translucence developed by Erickson and Kellog.…

This paper summarizes the experiences of an instructor and teaching assistant who introduced online communication strategies in a graduate seminar. This paper drew on the findings of a previous paper (Schwier & Balbar, 2002), and examined how to construct structured discussions of content using synchronous and asynchronous communication in…

This study investigated the relationship between what people looked up about new words when different kinds of information were available and how well they remembered those words. Dictionary information was incorporated into a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) program comprised of text, highlighted low-frequency words, and access to…

This study involved students using simulation software in all phases of the learning cycle. Research on the use of simulations in science education has shown that the simulations can be used effectively in preinstructional and exploratory activities. Preinstructional and exploratory activities elicit and challenge students' alternative…

Students with mild disabilities often have difficulties with organization and written performance. These students can be helped by a combination of effective instructional strategies, compensatory strategies, and technological tools. Planning and organizing tools can encourage activities such as concept mapping, story webbing, brainstorming,…

The Simi Star Project, a collaborative grant among six southern California school districts (Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Orcutt, and Point Hueneme) and IBM, tested the effectiveness of computers in the classroom and the effects of integrating technology into the curriculum. Six networked computers were placed in kindergarten and…

This article describes "Words in Your Ear," a vocabulary learning program for tertiary Chinese students who are learners of English at the University of Hong Kong, noting the University's 3-year partnership agreement with IBM to provide notebook computers to first-year students and provide new collaborative research opportunities for…

This qualitative case study examined interactions, effect of instructional strategies on interactions, participant attitudes, and perceptions that occurred during two courses taught via interactive videoconferencing in higher education. Analysis of coded observational data, field notes, and interviews with students and instructors provided…

Despite the fact that computers, as opposed to other technologies such as television and radio, have significantly impacted education from several perspectives, a consensus about the effectiveness of computer use in education has not been reached among the researchers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of…