Describes the use of interactive whiteboards, a new type of instructional presentation technology that allows users to control computer applications from the board. Highlights include vendors; multimedia online instruction; rear-projection models; examples of classroom uses; contests and opportunities for schools to obtain interactive whiteboards;…

Discusses wireless local area networks (LANs) which typically consist of laptop computers that connect to fixed access points via infrared or radio signals. Topics include wide area networks; personal area networks; problems, including limitations of available bandwidth, interference, and security concerns; use in education; interoperability;…

Discussion of computers as mindtools focuses on semantic networks and expert systems that help learners build a representation of what they know by designing their own knowledge bases. Describes a study of undergraduates that examined the effects of building semantic networks on the construction of expert systems. (Author/LRW)

Accounting students received either traditional instruction (n=46) or used computer-mediated communication and WebCT course management software. There were no significant differences in attitudes about the course. However, computer users were more positive about course delivery and course management tools. (Contains 17 references.) (SK)

Discusses graphical user interfaces used for instructional purposes in educational environments, which promote learning goals, and in support environments, which promote performance goals. Explains three key principles of perception and gives guidelines for their use, including the figure/ground principle, the hierarchy principle, and the gestalt…

Two graduate student groups (n=7 and n=6) used both computerized groups support systems and traditional methods to complete collaborative tasks. The progress and stages of development of one group was erratic, whereas the other evolved into a high-performance group. Technology reduced some group conflict but had little impact on group development.…

Evaluates the impact for higher education institutions of networking PROSPECT (HE). Discusses the rationale for networking and implementation strategies adopted. Data suggests that networking provides easier access in terms of both location and time, with no evidence of any reduction in the use of the careers services. (Author/GCP)

Discussion of navigation buttons in instructional hypermedia programs focuses on a study of college students that investigated the effectiveness of buttons with pictorial representations, buttons with text and pictorial representations, and buttons with text only. Findings indicate that buttons with text labels reduce user confusion concerning…

Notes that PowerPoint is an especially useful program for teaching text structure to college reading students. Discusses how this may be accomplished, as well as directions for creating a presentation from the preexisting templates and backgrounds provided in the program. Directs how to print overheads and handouts of the presentation. (SG)

Presents a report from the Regalbuto Committee on on-line teaching. (YDS)

In study 1, 12 nursing students attended slide lectures on cell biology; 13 used interactive computer-assisted learning (CAL). Study 2 surveyed 38 students who used CAL to study immunology. Students preferred CAL and felt confident in their grasp of the material, even without the presence of lecturers to answer questions. (Contains 16 references.)…

Discusses whether computer-based instructional materials improve student learning. Evaluates a computer-based hypermedia tutorial that was delivered over a web site. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

This paper describes past Canadian contributions to the study of CALL and raises questions about the identity of Canadian CALL as distinct within CALL scholarship in North America.

Demonstration authoring software is a tool for creating Flash-based multimedia movies. This document describes how demonstration authoring software was created for training in a library at the University of Colorado.

Children with severe learning difficulties who fail to begin word recognition can learn to recognise pictures and symbols relatively easily. However, finding an effective means of using pictures to teach word recognition has proved problematic. This research explores the use of morphing software to support the transition from picture to word…