Addresses the question of how far superficial aspects of software can affect the performance of girls and boys on computer-based problem-solving tasks. Finds, in two tests, a significant gender by software interaction, with girls' performances being highly influenced by the software version. Suggests that children's response to computers are…

Two studies compared handwriting, word processing, and word prediction with speech-synthesis software (PR) with three intermediate-grade students with severe spelling problems. Results suggested that PR software can improve the writing of such students under certain circumstances but that constraints, such as the difficulty of using the software,…

Investigates the computer use by student teachers during practicum: the manner and frequency of computer use, student teachers' perception of their training adequacy, their attitudes toward the role of the computer in teaching, and the factors that might be associated with higher percentage of computer use than those in previous studies.…

Describes how science education partnerships composed of educational researchers, technologists, classroom teachers, natural scientists, and pedagogy experts can create effective instructional innovations using Internet technologies. Illustrates how the Scaffolded Knowledge Integration (SKI) framework gives partnerships a head start on effective…

Presents the results of two surveys conducted to evaluate distance education courses offered at a community college: one of students who enrolled in, but did not complete, a distance education course; and one of the faculty and administrators involved in telecourse planning and delivery. Describes how the results were used to improve the programs.…

Discussion of networked continuing professional development (CPD) for staff in higher education focuses on two case studies: one uses the outcomes of a graduate course to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-conferencing system; the second uses learning outcomes to influence the redesign of a CPD program to a Web-based open learning system.…

Discusses the marriage between higher education and interactive media, which holds the promise of education beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Addresses the driving forces behind this movement, the role played by the media, the marriage's merging form and structure, and its broader implications for the future. (VWC)

Focuses on students who fit into "niches," and discusses how the Chattanooga State Technical Community College's distance-learning program accommodates these learners. Describes five "niche" learner categories: students with disabilities, power-line maintenance technicians, emergency-service personnel, truckers, and industrial…

Describes a case-specific method for assessing the impact of innovations in computer-assisted college instruction that uses objectives and subjective data to assess instructional effects on learning and outcomes. A case study illustrating its practical application is included. (Author/MSE)

Discusses these four issues identified by EDUCAUSE's National Learning Infrastructure Initiative (NLII) as being key to its mission to create new collegiate learning environments that harness the power of information technology: (1) intellectual property rights; (2) institutional readiness to enhance academic productivity; (3) faculty support and…

Examines factors affecting the cultural appropriateness of Web-based course-support sites. Identifies a strategy for accommodating different values of these factors in Web-based course-support systems, based on a set of 10 design guidelines. Describes and evaluates the TeleTOP Method from the University of Twente (The Netherlands) to illustrate…

Focuses on the cultural and pedagogical considerations in the design of student-centered learning systems with particular reference to three cases in Singapore. The experiences illustrate some of the challenges and problems in designing and implementing learning systems in three different contexts: local-institutional, trans-institutional, and…

Discusses the experiential learning and arts-based approach of the Lab School of Washington, DC, and describes projects that use technology as a valuable tool in teaching students with learning disabilities. Teaching approaches using the computer and specific software are matched with characteristics of learning disabilities and…

Considers issues and opportunities presented to academia by the revolution in digital technologies. Presents a fable for Internet connectivity. Discusses attitudes towards technology; instructional development; distance education; knowledge in the digital age; and change in the nature of the academy. (AEF)

Examines what will become of the existing concept of "fair use" in the emerging digital environment known as the "information superhighway." Discusses the perspectives of various constituencies within higher education--some producers of intellectual property, some consumers, and some that are both. Includes the agreement on…