A Harvard School of Dental Medicine introductory course in computer basics and providing computer-assisted instruction in scientific research methodology is described and evaluated. Most students found the coursework difficult, and only one-quarter found it relevant. Integration of computer science into content-area courses is recommended. (MSE)

Examines evaluation in a situated learning context. Topics discussed include a model for evaluation in a computer learning environment; portfolios, including written, electronic, and video formats; summary statistics; diagnosis; reflection and self-assessment; story construction or scenario design; learners as designers of instruction; and…

Discussion of teaching literature through multimedia argues that simpler techniques explaining visual symbols such as illustrations, annotation of texts with commentaries, explanations, word meanings, and maps are not sufficient for conveying the message in culturally displaced (i.e., foreign language) texts. (18 references) (EA)

Five papers on research related to learning and instruction discuss the following: subjective competence and self-assessment; development of quantitative-relational abilities from childhood to adolescence; detecting functional relations in a computerized learning environment; developmental patterns and individual differences in word-search…

Examines the effects of cooperative and individualistic computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs on cognitive and affective variables in Israeli grade six mathematics classes. Analyses of the data indicate that students who used CAI for drill and practice in pairs performed better than students who used the same program individually. (30…

Discusses a review of research studies on gender differences in computer-based education that revealed significant discrepancies between equality of access and performance outcomes for female and male users. Highlights include the proposed future of education and technology; math anxiety; influence of family; gender bias in software; and influence…

Three commercial products for data acquisition with the Macintosh computer, known by the trade names of LabVIEW, Analog Connection WorkBench, and MacLab were reviewed and compared, on the basis of actual trials, for their suitability in physiological and biological teaching laboratories. Suggestions for using these software packages are provided.…

Discusses various factors involved in planning and implementing an introductory computer science course in an Indian secondary school located in Bahrain. Topics discussed include computer literacy; selection criteria for microcomputers; funding; computer laboratories; teacher training; criteria for student selection; students' viewpoints; teaching…

Describes two programs that provided distance tutoring for sixth grade minority students enrolled in the Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) class at an inner-city elementary school. Bulletin board systems (BBSs) and teleconferencing are described, student and tutor attitudes are examined, and guidelines to improve the effectiveness of future…

Explains the combination of hypertext and knowledge maps into hypermaps, and describes a study of undergraduates learning statistical material that compared the effectiveness of using hypertext versus hypermaps. Recall, reference time and accuracy, and student satisfaction are investigated, and needs for further studies are suggested. (10…

Discussion of the use of computer networks to create electronic communities highlights a research strategy that compared educational activities conducted across electronic networks to examine features of successful and unsuccessful electronic communities. Networks described include university researchers' networks; teacher networks; student…

Discussion of involving teachers and students in the learning process focuses on an approach that combined microcomputers, video cassette recorders, and print materials to design a high school algebra class. Course design is explained, software and hardware are described, improvement in student motivation is reported, and costs are considered.…

The Image Processing for Teaching project provides a powerful medium to excite students about science and mathematics, especially children from minority groups and others whose needs have not been met by traditional teaching. Using professional-quality software on microcomputers, students explore a variety of scientific data sets, including…

Describes a magnet school in Revere, Massachusetts, developed around the theme of a technology-based curriculum for the purpose of integrating the district made up predominately of Southeast Asian students. Discusses the shcool's design, instruction and administration, library services, computer laboratories, and instructional adjustments made by…

Describes an introductory meteorology course for nonacademic high school students. The course is made hands-on by the use of an educational software program offered by Accu-Weather. The program contains a meteorology database and instructional modules. (PR)