Two evaluations of video programs that involved groups of learners interacting with LaserVision software are presented. One concerns counselling skills for student teachers. The other is a geography simulation program. Program structure, group interaction, and the role of the instructor are discussed. Learners in both studies found the visual…

Describes the objectives and format of a course developed at the University of British Columbia (Canada) that was designed to introduce information technology to preservice science teachers. Sample student microcomputer-based laboratory projects are described that include computer simulations, multimedia presentations, and videodiscs; and…

A scoring algorithm for performance assessments is described that is based on expert judgments but requires the rating of only a sample of performances. A regression-based policy capturing procedure was implemented for clinicians evaluating skills of 280 medical students. Results demonstrate the usefulness of the algorithm. (SLD)

Examines the instructional effects of computer graphics and rehearsal strategies on student achievement of different educational objectives. Participants were 63 college students. Results indicated that students who received textbook material complemented by specific computer graphics technologies achieved significantly higher scores than did…

Illustrates the possibilities and educational benefits of virtual learning environments (VLEs), based on experiences with "Thirst for Knowledge," a VLE that simulates the workplace of a major company. While working in this virtual office world, students walk through the building, attend meetings, read reports, receive e-mail, answer the telephone,…

Presents experience-based pedagogical designs, both first-person and third-person experiences, which make the most of information and communication technology. Highlights include goal-based learning; Web-based role-play simulation; rule-based computer simulations; case studies; distributed problem-based learning; critical incident…

Increasing demands on continuing medical education (CME) are taking place at a time of significant developments in educational thinking and new learning technologies. Such developments allow today's CME providers to better meet the CRISIS criteria for effective continuing education: convenience, relevance, individualization, self-assessment,…

A constant challenge facing university faculty and academics is determining how innovative and authentic elements, based on constructivist philosophy, can be manifested effectively in online learning settings. In this article, we describe an educational technology postgraduate course on evaluation that incorporated a scenario whereby assessable…

Researchers and teacher educators have called for contextualizing the learning of pedagogy and content within the complex context of schools. This account provides an overview of a web-based simulation called Sim-School[C] that provides a realistic framework for students to contextualize curricular decisions, differentiate instruction and reflect…

The goal of this project is to develop a unique simulation environment that can be used to increase students' interest and expertise in Computer Science curriculum. Hands-on experience with physical or simulated equipment is an essential ingredient for learning, but many approaches to training develop a separate piece of equipment or software for…

Based on current theories of chemistry learning, this study intends to test a hypothesis that computer modeling enhanced hands-on chemistry laboratories are more effective than hands-on laboratories or computer modeling laboratories alone in facilitating high school students' understanding of chemistry concepts. Thirty-three high school chemistry…

This fourth edition of the New Media Consortium's (NMC) annual "Horizon Report" describes the continuing work of the Horizon Project, a research-oriented effort that seeks to identify and describe emerging technologies likely to have a large impact on teaching, learning, or creative expression within higher education. Drawing on ongoing…

There is little debate among researchers, policymakers, and educational stakeholders that reading achievement among African American students is an important issue (Strickland, 1994). While several scholars have contributed greatly to the research literature on matters pertaining to African American students and reading, additional research is…

Virtual reality is an immersive, interactive medium that manipulates the senses in order provide users with simulated experiences in computer-generated worlds. The visual design of virtual reality is an important issue, but literature has tended to stress the medium's instructional potential rather than setting forth a protocol for designing…

With the advent of the British National Curriculum, computer-based modeling has become an integral part of the school curriculum. This book is about modeling in education and providing children with computer tools to create and explore representations of the world. Members of the London Mental Models Group contributed their research: (1)…