Describes project at Bradley University that equipped freshman residence hall rooms with microcomputers. Highlights include student characteristics; academic performance; surveys of use of microcomputers; networking versus stand-alone uses; duration of computer use times and times of day of use; and sex differences in computer use. (Three…

Discussion of instructional visuals and practice techniques as effective learning strategies focuses on a study of undergraduates that examined the effects of animated instruction and practice on adult learning in a computer-based science lesson. Analyses of the results indicate that practice affects performance measures more than visual…

Examines the components of learner control, self-regulation, and the continuing motivation to learn as possible requirements and benefits of effective interactive instruction. Research literature is reviewed that addresses the interdependence of these three components, and suggestions are made for future research. (76 references) (LRW)

Identifies desirable features that should be included in software for effective instructional computing use. Highlights include design of learning activities; curriculum role; modes of instruction, including drill and practice, tutorials, games, simulation, and problem solving; branching; menu driven programs; screen displays; graphics; teacher…

Describes ways in which instructional media and educational technology can be used to improve the attitudes and interest of at-risk students to help keep them in school. Topics discussed include curriculum development; hardware; software; flexible programs for dropouts; and programs for homebound students that use telecommunications networks. (LRW)

Analyzes results of a study that investigated the efficiency of computer-based instruction (CBI) for teaching remedial skills in reading and mathematics to educationally disadvantaged students in grades 3 through 10. Test results from Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) and Metropolitan Achievement Tests (MAT) are compared, and further research is…

Historical movements in the development of the use of computers in mathematics education are highlighted. The development of more efficient interfaces between users and machines are discussed. Future trends in this area are identified. (CW)

Describes a problem-solving activity integrating a laboratory investigation with a database activity using Appleworks. Presents typical displays of the databases. The objective of the laboratory was to determine the identity of a pure substance by measuring physical properties and searching the database. (Author/YP)

This article describes how the method of reducing the scale of a graph can be used to illustrate many theorems in geometry concerning angle size. Four examples are presented. A computer program is provided to illustrate how such rescaling of figures can be implemented in LOGO. (Author/YP)

Discussion of the display of instructional text and text format elements focuses on a study of fourth graders that was conducted to test the effects of plain and enhanced screen designs on learning and time during computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Implications for screen design and future research are suggested. (31 references) (LRW)

Discusses results of a national survey of Canadian secondary school students that investigated their conceptions of the role of computer technology within the educational system. Topics discussed include equal access; gender differences; patterns in access and usage of home computers; and implications for further research, including international…

Describes a study designed to assess the effectiveness of 2 science simulation programs for 11- and 12-year-olds in a developing country (Guyana). Computer-assisted learning (CAL) results are compared with results from written assignments, effect size is discussed, gender differences are examined, and ability levels are considered. (14 references)…

Reports on a program developed in Indiana public schools to hold software evaluation workshops that would compare teacher and student evaluations of the same software. The evaluation process is discussed; tutorials, drill and practice programs, simulations, and games are examined; and tests for correlation are described. (21 references) (LRW)

Describes study of college students that was designed to test the hypotheses that females would differ from males on four aspects of computer-related attitudes: (1) interest/enjoyment; (2) comfort and confidence; (3) computers as a male domain; and (4) social impact of computers. Some strategies for improving female students' attitudes toward…

Reviews two software packages for the Macintosh series. "Course Builder 2.0," a courseware authoring system, allows the user to create programs which stand alone and may be used independently in the classroom. "World Builder," an artificial intelligence software package, allows creative thinking, problem-solving, and…