Reports results from an experiment in which interaction processes and learning outcomes of dyads working on different cooperative tasks within the domain of electricity were compared; a concept mapping task was compared with a poster task. Subjects were 40 students ages 16-17 years old. Students working on a concept map talked more intensively…

The moderating effect of impulsivity on the relationship between anger and adolescent problem behavior (substance use and delinquency) was studied with 371 high school seniors. Overall, results provide partial support for the notion that temperament dimensions operate interactively to promote poor adjustment. (SLD)

Presents a study using an electronic bulletin board as the software platform for students in a large second-year college biology course to improve communications among students and between students and the instructor. Reports that the bulletin board was successful in fostering interaction between students as well as improving student-instructor…

Presents the Executive Summary of a report commissioned by the Software Publishers Association to summarize educational technology research conducted from 1990 through 1997. Conclusions are discussed in terms of general findings, effect on student achievement and motivation/self-concept, and effectiveness of interactions involving educators and…

This research examined the communication process between users and online catalogs by gathering empirical data about user performance on different types of online catalogs. An experiment was designed to test whether content and layout of bibliographic displays influenced effectiveness of the interface between online catalogs and users. Data are…

This pilot study examined how the individual social-behavioral profiles of six children with language impairment (LI) influenced their ability to work with two typically developing children in cooperative groups. Although the success of individual interactions was highly variable, the LI child's social profile was a good predictor of ability to…

Discussion of Web-based instruction (WBI) focuses on a study of Korean universities that analyzed learners' adaptation styles and characteristics by retrospectively assessing the perceptions of various aspects of WBI. Considers computer literacy, interaction with instructor and students, difficulty of contents, and learners' perception of academic…

Explores the potential of the World Wide Web for education, focusing on undergraduate geography courses. Considers its utility for content delivery, online information resources, collaborative learning, multimedia, and interactive teaching. Discusses the paradigm of distributed learning. Examines problems with Web-based teaching. Considers the…

Examines the value of conversation partner programs that pair up second language students and native speakers for out-of-class conversation. Findings reveal the activities conversation partners engage in, the perceived advantages of the experience for nonnative and native participants, and the problems encountered. Results can be used to guide…

Comparison of the social interactions of nine children with visual impairments and a comparison group of nine children with full sight found that children with visual impairments were capable of interacting with others, but there were differences in the frequency of social initiations and the targets of these initiations. Results support…

This study compared peer interactions in 12 play groups of 6 preschool children each, containing either typically developing children, children with developmental delays, or both typical and delayed children. Results indicated higher levels of peer interactions in mainstreamed settings but a lack of full acceptance of children with delays by…

Mediation by self-monitoring of the relationship between perceived approval from others and delinquent behavior was studied for 828 Hong Kong students in grades 7 through 9. Analyses indicate that self-monitoring is an interacting factor and that the relationship is more apparent for high self-monitors. (SLD)

Examines the use of gender-distinctive language in preschool sibling conversations, focusing on mitigation in directives and related forms used during pretend play. Findings indicate that gender-distinctive patterns of language use are sensitive to variations in situation and interaction partner. (19 references) (CK)

Social identity theory holds that social group memberships become part of the psychological self, affecting thoughts, feelings, and behavior. However, tests of this hypothesis have mainly involved judgmental dependent measures. A method is suggested that can provide more direct evidence. Discusses use of that method. (KW)

Details a study evaluating the construct and concurrent validity of a modified version of the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale (PIPPS), a teacher-rating instrument of interactive play behaviors of preschool children. Use and further study of developmentally appropriate social competencies for African-American Head Start children are discussed.…