For the thirty-seventh year, the Research and Theory Division and the Division of Instructional Design of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) sponsored the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Jacksonville, Florida. This year's Proceedings…

This guide was developed to assist teachers in achieving goals related to the development of computer awareness in students in grades 4-6 in the Canadian province of Manitoba. An overview of the program describes a set of basic concepts, skills, and attitudes relating to computer technology, and provides information on activities that can be used…

Discussion of the history and development of artificial intelligence (AI) highlights a bibliography of introductory books on various aspects of AI, including AI programing; problem solving; automated reasoning; game playing; natural language; expert systems; machine learning; robotics and vision; critics of AI; and representative software. (LRW)

This study examined features of software used by 48 preschool special education students. Programs were compared for their effect on engagement, affect, and choice. Findings suggest that children prefer programs with higher interaction requirements, as well as those using animation, sound, and voice features. (Author/PB)

Discusses the establishment of online, or virtual, communities on the World Wide Web. Topics include corporate sites; community planning; virtual reality; games; America Online projects; MUDs (multiuser dungeons) and MOOs (multiuser object oriented); and a list of contacts for online community resources. (LRW)

Examined electronic game-playing habits of 900 children. Found that time commitment to game-playing decreased from fourth to eighth grade. Boys played more than girls. Preference for general entertainment games increased across grades while educational games preference decreased. Violent game popularity remained consistent; fantasy violence was…

Describes a study that evaluated computer games, or components of the games, that would lend themselves for use in an educational setting, particularly with adults. Highlights include game selection criteria; gender differences; motivation; learning styles; game features that were essential and those that were distracting; playing strategies; and…

Describes computer software, including "The Electronic Bookshelf" and "Return to Reading," which provides motivation for recreational reading in various ways, including: quizzes, games based on books, and whole language activities for children's literature and young adult fiction. (MM)

Discusses children's ability to distinguish fantasy from reality in video games and suggests that there is potential for creative innovative software and graphics. Virtual reality is described and compared to books, and learning about all new electronic genres in addition to the best existing ones is advocated. (EAM)

Australian researchers examined a computer adventure game's potential to provide worthwhile learning experiences by videotaping elementary students at play. Results indicated students learned about computers, read, had fun, and solved problems, but the game did not meet specified criteria for a worthwhile educational experience. (SM)

Describes various electronic technologies available for classroom use, including videocassette news reports, educational computer games based on knowledge of geographical and historical trivia, and other software programs developed expressly for schools. Nintendo Company is being watched for optical disk developments, and "virtual…

Presents strategies for relating the Big6 information problem-solving process to sports to gain students' attention, sustain it, and make instruction relevant to their interests. Lectures by coaches, computer-based sports games, sports information sources, the use of technology in sports, and judging sports events are discussed. (LRW)

Describes research with college students that investigated commercial game types and game elements to determine what would be suitable for education. Students rated logic, memory, visualization, and problem solving as important game elements that are used to develop a model that links pedagogical issues with game elements. (Author/LRW)

In post-industrial societies saturated with the multimodal texts of consumer culture--film, computer games, interactive toys, SMS, email, the internet, television, DVDs--young people are developing literacy skills and knowledge in and for a world significantly changed from that of their parents and educators. Given this context, this paper seeks…

Explains types of computers, components of the computer, and basic computing terminology. Reviews 12 types of software packages. Suggests uses for the computer in a camp setting. (CS)