This study investigated effects of speech synthesis on proofreading efficiency among 33 postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Using a speech synthesis system enabled subjects to detect a significantly higher percentage of errors, though having text read aloud by another person remained the most effective way to find…

University students with learning disabilities (n=29) wrote essays either without assistance, using human transcribers, or using a speech recognition system. Students received significantly higher holistic scores using speech recognition than without assistance; text analysis suggests speech recognition may have encouraged the use of longer words.…

Describes development of a multimedia courseware package available on videodisc and CD-ROM for use in teaching cultural awareness and diversity. This interactive package uses role-playing questions and answers and discussion. (JKP)

Discusses the important role of graphs in conveying scientific information and the use of computer software in amplifying the value of graphs as tools for scientific investigation. Topics discussed include: skills required for analyzing and interpreting graphs, software design, and teaching and learning strategies. (JRH)

Discusses the concept of distance educators sending a mass distribution of messages to students via electronic mail. The concept uses course information databases to customize and generate message content. Describes steps of using off-the-shelf commercial software to process course data and send it to course participants by electronic mail via the…

Discusses a program in which students complete surveys identifying home energy and water use and its impact on the environment. Survey results are entered into computers lent to the school by a sponsoring utility company. Includes sample activities. (MKR)

Outlines certain aspects of the Government's grants scheme that provides funds for information technology in schools. Discusses allocation of funds, National Council for Educational Technology involvement, how schools are using their grants, and meeting training needs. (JRH)

Examines the effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on students' understanding of chemical formulas and mole concept, and their attitudes toward chemistry and CAI. Reports that students who used the CAI accompanied with lectures scored significantly higher and demonstrated significant improvement in attitudes compared to the control group…

Describes a method to obtain three-dimensional (3-D) representations of data on a computer using commercial data-plotting or spreadsheet analysis software in any personal computer. (JRH)

The growing number of mergers, takeovers, and joint ventures has dramatic implications for communications, publishing, and education worldwide. Apple Computer and IBM have created Kaleida, a standard for software used in devices that combine text, sound, video, and graphics. Apple, AT&T, Matsushita, Motorola, Philips, and Sony are developing a…

Discusses the design and use of the Computer Model for Language Acquisition (COMOLA), a computer program designed to analyze syntactic development in second-language learners by examining their oral utterances. Also compares COMOLA to the recently developed Computer-Aides Linguistic Analysis (COALA) program. (MDM)

Increased availability and use of computers and computer networks in higher education are raising issues that must be addressed on campuses. A Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Electronic Learners is proposed, outlining rights and responsibilities of both individuals and institutions, as a starting point for discussion. (MSE)

Surveys of (n=179) department chairs showed 47% of secondary science teachers did not use microcomputers during instruction, but 76% indicated microcomputers have had an impact on science laboratory activities in their school. Most frequent applications were simulations, graphing packages, and probes for collecting laboratory data. (17 references)…

Recent developments and national initiatives in the expansion of available closed caption television programming and videotaped materials are reviewed in this article. Projects implementing captioned media resources in mainstream classrooms are featured, and other technological innovations with potential for use by deaf citizens are discussed. (PB)

Installation of a schoolwide local area computer network at Chicago-Kent College of Law (Illinois) is described. Uses of electronic mail within a course on computer law are described. Additional social, administrative, and research uses of electronic mail are noted as are positive effects and emerging problems (e.g., burdens on recipients and…