Examines computer use in 14 elementary schools in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area in Israel. Computer-assisted instruction was once expected to narrow the gap between students from low and high SES homes but appears to perpetuate it, because high SES students have the advantage of computers at home. (DM)

Presented is an interactive PASCAL computer program that computes the true mortgage interest rate. The half-interval technique, a method from numerical analysis, is incorporated into the program algorithm to approximate a solution of a continuous function on a closed interval. (JJK)

Explores specification and design procedures, functions, and issues in the development of intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs). Topics discussed include learning objectives; the target audience; types of training materials; format; software and hardware specifications; and individual ITS modules, including administrative, user profile, database,…

Describes a recently developed computer and videodisc technology for remedial reading instruction called Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Discusses how the system works, characteristics of the target population. Notes the system's success and students' enthusiasm in the classroom. (SR)

Describes methods for item construction for computer-based instruction (CBI). Use of a rational set generator (RSG) in presenting an adaptive sequence of items to the learner is described; a model matrix of a computer-based RSG is presented; concrete and defined concepts are discussed; and rule using is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

This paper describes a computer-based spelling program grounded in programed instructional techniques and using constructed-response matching-to-sample procedures. Following use of the program, two mentally retarded men successfully spelled previously misspelled words. (JDD)

Presents an overview and evaluation of a computer program directed toward the remediation of children's deficits in word recognition and phonological decoding. Finds that students improved their word recognition skills and phonological decoding of nonwords. Notes that the most severely disabled readers showed the largest gains. Discusses…

Discussion of the growing use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in education focuses on an intrapersonal communication model based on the cognitive experience of the individual. Four types of experiential learning that can be applied to CMC are explained: (1) response learning; (2) situation learning; (3) transsituation learning; and (4)…

Computer-based problem-solving software exposure was compared to Lego TC LOGO instruction. Thirty fifth graders received either Lego LOGO instruction, which couples Lego building block activities with LOGO computer programming, or instruction with various problem-solving computer programs. Although both groups showed significant progress, the Lego…

A community association in Wales offered an adult course in word and number power that included individual action plans, paired learning, and continual assessment of progress. Emphasis on the use of information technology proved popular and increased participants' confidence and self-esteem. (SK)

Commentary on an article presented in a previous issue of this journal titled "'To Gloss or Not to Gloss': An Investigation of Reading Comprehension Online." The commentary is supportive of the conclusions drawn in the original article and offers arguments to spur serious research on the topic of glossing in the future. (Author/VWL)

Reflects on issues raised by the 1997 meeting of the International Reading Association--the current status of classroom teachers and technology's role in future classrooms. Notes the dedication to students exhibited by teachers attending the convention. Suggests that the convention is like the field of reading itself, a sort of "bazaar that…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine the instructional techniques and behaviors that either reduced or exacerbated anxiety in an Internet class for novice adult students. Through observation, interviews, and document analysis it was determined that low self-efficacy played a role in students' anxiety. (Author/LRW)

Use of games in computer-based training (CBT) can enliven material, encourage discovery and experiential learning, and make visceral connections for learners. However, humor can offend or wear thin, and games can be perceived as playing rather than as learning. (JOW)

Discusses the issue of education versus training in computer science based on the author's personal experiences. Highlights include early uses of computers, learning programming languages, initial computer-assisted instruction, the use of courseware, Web-based instruction that will need both education and more practical training, and realizing the…