Reviews projects aimed at increasing access to software in a variety of languages and cultures, particularly the European Community project EPES (European Pool of Educational Software) that involves 12 nations and 15 languages. Translation methodology is described and possible barriers, including graphics and copyright issues, are considered.…

Discusses the effect of object-oriented programming on the evolution of authoring systems. Topics include the definition of an object; examples of object-oriented authoring interfaces; what object-orientation means to an instructional developer; how object orientation increases productivity and enhances interactivity; and the future of courseware…

Demonstrates and compares three commercially available statistical software packages, Statistics Workshop, Data Insights, and Data Desk, using a five-component investigation model to analyze a problem about hat sizes. (MKR)

Describes the use of learning groups and computer-assisted instruction in introductory psychology classes at the University of Minnesota's General College, focusing on such applications as student psychology projects, study guide exercises, homework assessment, matching exercises, weekly quizzes, and practice materials. (DMM)

Discusses mediated learning experiences with young children and describes a study of Israeli kindergartners that attempted to improve their analogical thinking through the use of a specially designed computer program. Treatments of the experimental and control groups are described, and measures used to assess analogical reasoning are explained.…

Describes the use of a Macintosh computer and HyperCard software to create an introduction to cell culture techniques that closely approximates a hands-on laboratory experiment. Highlights include data acquisition, data analysis, the generation of growth curves, and electronic modeling. (LRW)

Beliefs about mathematics of 26 junior and senior high school students were explored using interviews conducted before and after exposure to problem-solving software. A concept model of subjects' general beliefs about mathematics and their relationships was developed. Data analysis did not indicate any change in beliefs about mathematics following…

Discussion of the lack of quality educational software in European countries to support computer-assisted learning (CAL) focuses on a collaboration between England and West Germany to train German software authoring teams. The effectiveness of the collaboration is discussed, and implications for other international collaborations and for software…

Describes eight conditions that facilitate the adoption, implementation, and institutionalization of educational technology innovations and suggests applications to the transfer of portable software. Applications of these conditions involving educational technology in Indonesia, Chile, and Peru are evaluated, and guidelines for successful…

Recommends the classroom use of hypermedia. Observes that hypermedia allow instructors to interrupt lessons for critical evaluation, discussion, and prompt correction of mistakes. Suggests that using hypermedia in class is cheaper than setting up computer laboratories. (DK)

Creating a stock market simulation for the classroom computer reinforces math skills and can help students gain a good sense of how current events affect the economy, how to manage money and understand profit and loss, and how to use spreadsheet software. (IAH)

An information technology course was provided to people with physical disabilities in their Ireland homes, using computers and modem links. The course included modules on business applications software and specialized applications. Nineteen of 20 participants completed the course successfully and were awarded an internationally recognized…

Reviews six computer programs designed to familiarize students with maps, geographical knowledge, and other subjects: (1) "ZipZapMap" (National Geographic Society); (2) "Earth Treks" (Magic Quest); (3) "Code: Europe" (Compu-Teach); (4) "Geography Search" (Tom Snyder Productions); (5) "Teacher First" (Jostens); and (6) "Discovering America"…

Describes a study conducted with eleventh graders that compared the effects of computer-based instruction (CBI) and print-based instruction (PBI) on motivation, continuing motivation, and content recall. Use of the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) is explained, and the findings, which indicate the superiority of CBI, are discussed.…

Reports on the outcome of a seminar that addressed issues relating to the use of information technology (IT) in universities in the United Kingdom. Results of three surveys of faculty attitudes toward the use of computers in teaching are discussed, and directions for courseware development and for institutional support are suggested. (13…