Reviews the efforts of eight teachers involved in a study using microcomputers in schools. Reflects on how the pursuit and politics of institutional reward and innovation can undermine good practice. Advocates the use of critical thinking when participating in ethically justified innovation. (KO)

A research project on computer applications for special education determined the needs of caregivers (teachers or parents), clients (persons with severe learning disabilities), and staff. Results were used to develop the Living and Learning Weekend, during which caregivers were trained in the use of educational software for persons with…

Describes an expert system that can be used to teach reading skills in a foreign language with computer-assisted learning. Augmented transition networks (ATN), used as parsers, are explained; steps in teaching foreign languages are discussed; and reading in a foreign language as a type of problem-solving activity is considered. (10 references)…

Describes the process required to learn to write Chinese ideographs, and investigates the possibilities for developing a computer-aided language learning tutor. Character stroke sequences are described; a modified keyboard for Chinese character entry is discussed; and interaction between the student and the tutor is examined. (11 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of a relational database as a data management and analysis tool for nonexperimental qualitative research, and describes the use of the Reflex Plus database in the Vitrine 2001 project in Quebec to study computer-based learning environments. Information systems are also discussed, and the use of a conceptual model is explained.…

Describes a two-stage experiment that was designed to explain binomial distribution to undergraduate statistics students. A manual coin flipping exercise is explained as the first stage; a computerized simulation using MINITAB software is presented as stage two; and output from the MINITAB exercises is included. (two references) (LRW)

Computer simulation of drug formulation problems involves a database of pharmacological properties, chemical stability, and compatibility data on 20 active ingredients, physiological factors and requirements for parenteral solutions, and additives. The user gathers data from the database, formulates a stable and effective solution, and the drug is…

Twenty-seven participants in a Job Training Partnership Act-funded literacy program at Houston Community College received one of three types of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). The longer CAI was used, the higher the posttest reading and mathematics scores. Students with higher skill levels at entry learned faster with CAI systems. (SK)

A study compared the effectiveness of teaching word processing using computer-based tutorial (26 students) versus using a textbook (30 students). Found that (1) the achievement outcomes of the 2 methods were equally effective, (2) student attitudes toward word processing were not affected by the method, and (3) no substantial relationships existed…

When used to achieve definite instructional goals, computers can benefit all secondary students, whether or not they are artistically talented and experienced. Laser disk applications and increased computer storage and visual imagery capabilities are available. The problem is timely and appropriate inservice training for teachers to realize…

Describes the TICCIT (Time-Shared Computer-Controlled Instructional Television) System in terms of the National Science Foundation's role in its development; the availability of a microcomputer-based version, MicroTICCIT; and Northern Virginia Community College's use of TICCIT. Considers the college's plans to convert to MicroTICCIT and develop…

Discusses the use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) for foreign language instruction, and describes the development of a Foreign Language Instructional Design Environment (FL-IDE) that uses hypertext to organize the domain knowledge structure. The development of the original IDE as an intelligent tutoring system is also described. (20…

Describes the use of a computer conferencing program, Confer II, in freshman college composition classes. Benefits discussed include the opportunity to expand classroom discussions; promotion of interactions between students, both class-related and purely social; and exploration of the link between conversation and expressive writing. (five…

Describes how combining small group collaborative learning and large-screen overhead projection from a computer workstation can enhance the effectiveness of writing instruction in business communication courses. Recommends an approach for further research into the effects of this technology in group learning situations. (MM)

Examines the contexts of human-computer interaction, and argues that understanding word-processing research done in that setting can enrich thinking about the impact of teaching writing with the use of computers. Suggests issues developed in recent word-processing studies that may interest future researchers. (KEH)