Examines the potential for using educational technology in distance education in developing countries as well as in established programs. The British Open University is discussed, and technology described includes television, cable, videodisc, satellites, teletext, videotext, computers, and radio. Future trends in the field are also discussed. (15…

This review of research on computer use in education focuses on the development of higher order thinking skills and the effects of programming instruction. Eight hypotheses are proposed to account for the general failure of the research to confirm the expectations, and a new programming language, Prolog, is described. (70 references) (Author/LRW)

An experimental study compared the instructional effectiveness of Logo programming, commercially available software designed to aid composition and problem solving, and traditional teaching methods for low socioeconomic status first-grade students. Both software environments enhanced problem solving performance for a novel task, but Logo was most…

Describes Australian study which investigated relationships between characteristics of disadvantaged elementary and secondary students and their participation in computing activities, both in and out of the classroom. Variables used to define disadvantaged include gender, school ability, socioeconomic status, and ethnic background. Results are…

This study examined the instructional effectiveness of three software learning environments--LOGO, drill and practice, and teacher-directed activities--for preschool special needs children. Cognitive distancing was applied to classify children and child-software interactions; dependent measures included indicators of problem solving, skill…

Describes a study designed to develop a systematic procedure for constructing a valid Likert attitude scale. Discusses the 15-step procedure that was produced. Reviews the resulting development of an instrument designed to test the attitude of teachers toward the use of microcomputers in the classroom. (TW)

Analysis of data on 100 libraries of all types reports the number of libraries holding different categories of software, as well as total number of software packages owned and most popular titles in each category. The categories identified were word processing, data management, spreadsheets, communications, educational, library-specific,…

Discusses a project at the University of Louisville in which chemistry laboratories are being adapted for use by blind students. Describes the operational analysis of tasks normally performed in labs. Provides specific recommendations on how to utilize new technologies to enable blind students to conduct hands-on learning experiments. (TW)

Describes 26 different activities, experiments, demonstrations, and computer simulations in various topics in science. Includes instructional activities dealing with mural ecology, surface area/volume ratios, energy transfer in ecosystems, electrochemical simulations, alternating and direct current, terminal velocity, measuring the size of the…

This study evaluated the Computer Aided Grading Exercises (CAGE) authoring system on ease of creating programs, popularity of such programs, ease of progression through created exercises, and transfer of learning. Subjects were 12-year-olds with moderate learning difficulties. It was found that the system produced popular exercises and engendered…

Reports on a study of the effectiveness of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in the acquisition of English as a second language by Arabic- and Spanish-speaking students in an intensive program. Examines two student variables--time spent using CALL lessons and attitude toward them--as well as four cognitive/affective characteristics.…

This study evaluated the degree to which college major (education or business) and student individual differences (sex, age, mathematics ability, and locus of control) are related to attitudes about computers. Results indicate education majors have less favorable attitudes about computers than business majors even with individual differences taken…

Describes development of a comprehensive computer literacy assessment battery for K-12 curriculum based on objectives of a curriculum implemented in the Worldwide Department of Defense Dependents Schools system. Test development and field test data are discussed and a correlational analysis which assists in interpretation of test results is…

Study examines whether male and female teachers differ in (1) their background or training for instructional uses of microcomputers and (2) their uses of microcomputers to teach mathematics and science. Data are given on district and school microcomputer policies, classroom contexts, and teacher characteristics, instructional decisions, and…

Ten major types of evaluation used at Britain's Open University are outlined, including assessment of access, needs, courses, student progress, tutors and counselors, instructional media, computer assisted instruction, other new technologies, and academic staff. References for further reading are provided. (MSE)