This study used three treatment conditions to examine feasibility of augmenting computer-presented learning activities for preschool children with instructional videotapes: computer activities alone, a videotape designed to improve visual discrimination with computer activities, and videotape with activities and discussion. Results indicate…

Describes a rigorously controlled study comparing university students' perceptions of learning from a business simulation and from cases in a business policy course. Results indicate students perceive both cases and simulations as viable and valuable instructional methods, although cases are perceived to be generally superior to simulations. (MBR)

Examines the effects of three self-pacing procedures on student withdrawal rate, rate of progress, final examination performance, and attitude in a personalized system of instruction for undergraduate students in an introductory speech course. Benefits of reducing student procrastination are discussed in light of the study's results. (Author/MBR)

The evaluator was contracted to determine whether the online or face-to-face course components met course participants' needs and increased their understanding and knowledge of policy development processes, and to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery strategies. In addition, the course evaluator was asked to look at the…

The effectiveness of two weight loss programs with 71 overweight junior high school students is compared. One program featured multicomponent behavior modification techniques and significant professional input, and the other emphasized self regulation in a simpler exercise and nutrition education format. The two programs attained comparable…

A study of five adult males with autism investigated which combination of input/output modalities (typed or spoken) enhanced the syntactic, semantic, and/or pragmatic performance of individuals with autism when engaging in conversations with a normal language adult. Results found that typed communications facilitated the use of longer utterances.…

Describes the development of a tool, FACT (Formative Automated Computer Testing), to formatively assess information technology skills of college students in the United Kingdom. Topics include word processing competency; tests designed by tutors and delivered via a network; and results of an evaluation that showed students preferred automated…

Describes a project that uses computer mediated communication in universities in the United States and Mexico to teach minority students effectively. BESTNET (Binational English and Spanish Telecommunications Network) is explained, use for distance education is discussed, computer conferencing and electronic mail are described, and problems of…

Compares the effects of peer tutoring and computer-based instruction on student achievement and motivation through a meta-analysis of research. Cost effectiveness is also investigated via ratios which combine the effects of the intervention with estimates of implementation costs, and an appendix includes reviews of 10 cost-effectiveness research…

Describes an experiment that examined the relationship between successful searching of CD-ROM databases by undergraduate students and various types of instruction provided by the library staff. The findings indicate that the only level of instruction that resulted in a significant difference was a live demonstration of searches. (six references)…

Describes a study of college students that was conducted to investigate the effect of two review strategies on the recall of information from an interactive video program. Treatments for the active review group, the passive review group, and the control group are described. Recall posttests and amount of time required to complete the instruction…

Discussion of the functions of note-taking and reviewing notes in the learning process highlights two studies of undergraduates that were conducted with three treatment groups: (1) note-taking only; (2) note-taking and review; and (3) review only with borrowed notes. One study involved learning from a videotaped lecture, and one from a printed…

Discussion of the optimization of the instruction of concepts emphasizes theories of cognitive psychology. The development of instruments to record the mastery of concepts by fifth graders is described, variables of both instruction and learning are discussed, and a field experiment that compared the effectiveness of video directed instruction and…

Describes an empirical study of the effect of computer game practice on the improvement of skills that are related to visual perception in young children. Treatment of experimental and control groups of kindergarten children in Israel are described, and recommendations for the use of computer games versus educational games are given. (23…

Criticizes the statistical methods used in a previously published article that compared a commercially produced computer program with traditional teaching methods. Measures of instructional effectiveness are described, the assignment of student pairs is examined, and the use of blocking variables with analysis of variance is discussed. (LRW)