Determines the effect of computer-assisted instruction on first grade students' vocabulary development. Notes that students in two groups were involved in DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) as a part of their instruction in a balanced literacy program. Shows a significant difference for both groups on pre and posttests, however the mean difference…

Reviews 42 studies of computer-assisted instruction published from 1990 to the present, comprising 75 experimental comparisons. The corrected effect size estimate was 0.19. Two variables, effect size at the time of pretesting and language of instruction, accounted for 61% of the variability in effect sizes. Advises caution in interpreting results…

Focuses on tools and technologies that are likely to be important to language teachers entering the classroom for the first time. (Author/VWL)

Considers online Internet chatting as a means to resolve simulation tasks in lieu of face-to-face negotiation and suggests that online chatting extends linguistic opportunities for participation in small-group settings while retaining the interactive qualities of spoken conversation. Concludes that language learners who are normally reluctant to…

Describes a study that investigated the usefulness of an interactive computer program in eliciting children's reports about an event. Compared results of interviews by computer with interviews with humans with children aged five through eight that showed little benefit in computers over face-to-face interviews. (Author/LRW)

Reports descriptive analyses of production data gathered from experienced instructional developers who used a commercial authoring package and supplemental coding over a one-year period to produce three separate instructional lessons on thinking skills as part of a larger commercial educational product. (Author/LRW)

Discusses word processing computer programs' potential to perform operations similar to those performed by computer assisted instruction (CAI). Suggests not abandoning CAI software entirely for the CAI potential of word processors. (RS)

Presents ways that the learning of text structure can occur naturally for adolescents in a whole language framework. Offers five global contexts in which conceptualization, communication, collaboration can occur to help students use language and understand how text is organized. (RS)

Presents arguments for and against computerized integrated learning systems. Despite developments in problem-solving exercises, illustrated stories, and simulations, integrated systems offer fewer learning opportunities than the spreadsheets, word processors, and multimedia applications typical of independent software. Tips are provided for…

Described is "Genisys," an instructional program that teaches remedial and mildly handicapped students how to solve complex earth science problems. The program combines a 35-lesson videodisc course with a computer program which uses multiple rules for giving feedback, recycling missed exercises, and diagnosing underlying deficits in…

The students in an Arizona elementary school writing lab form learning groups that alternate between paper and pencil activities directed writing techniques, and word processing and keyboarding skills. After students have progressed through brainstorming, rough draft, revision, and editing processes, their work is published by the Polar Press.…

Responds to Nelms' critique of the authors' own "Educational Leadership" article criticizing the IBM Writing to Learn program. Since WTR was conceived, programs can be open and interactive and can fit more comfortably into whole language practices. Readers need to weigh the arguments and decide for themselves. (MLH)

The principal of a Louisville, Kentucky, alternative high school uses a "come when you can" schedule, a promise of success, and a high school diploma rather than a General Education Development certificate to entice would-be dropouts and pushouts to finish their education. Highly individualized and computer-assisted programs make the…

Describes assessment procedures used to select winners of the EDUCOM/NCRIPTAL (National Center for Research to Improve Postsecondary Teaching and Learning) Higher Education Software Awards program; presents the evaluative criteria used for software assessment; and lists the award-winning software for 1987. (32 references) (LRW)

Describes a knowledge-based computer system that integrates principles of formative evaluation and remedial teaching. Theoretical foundations of the system are discussed, the principle of multiple facets is explained, steps to construct a facet test are presented, and an example is given describing how to write minor musical scales. (seven…