Discusses the introduction of different types of technology in education since the 18th century: print, photographs and illustrations, motion pictures, computers, computer-based learning, educational television programming, online courses, World Wide Web, and multimedia. Predicts that digital technologies will have an impact on 21st-century…

Provides an overview of computers in education: early computers and computer languages, computer-assisted instruction, micro worlds, microcomputers, intelligent tutors, intelligent tools, symbol systems, computer graphics, virtual reality, distance education via the Internet, distance mentoring, learning-on-demand, organizational learning via…

Argues that including computer programming in the curriculum as a medium for instruction is a feasible alternative for teaching problem solving. Discusses the nature of problem solving; the problem-solving elements of discovery, motivation, practical learning situations and flexibility which are inherent in programming; capabilities of computer…

Reviews research on the effectiveness of hypertext/hypermedia-based learning and concludes that presenting subject matter from different perspectives, in multiple contexts, and in multiple codes does not automatically contribute to higher performance but may when instructional scaffolding is provided. The additional cognitive load may actually…

Challenges research and prevailing attitudes that maintain that computers improve teaching and academic achievement. Criticizes and questions research methodology, computer literacy education, the need for computer skills to make a competitive workforce, support from the business community resulting from technology programs, and Internet use. (LRW)

Describes the Directed-Self Education program at the University of Bristol (England) for undergraduate small-group project work in veterinary science that was designed to support students in developing personal study and information technology skills. It also produced student-authored hypermedia tools which could be repurposed by staff as teaching…

Describes the establishment of a library of computer images of histological preparations and the use of this library for computer-assisted instruction. Images from various organ systems along with line diagrams are stored on a central file server which can be accessed from remote terminals. The Fabric of Life program allows testing on each image…

Describes the use of a local area network for synchronous, real-time communication in a second language using a facilitating software package, the Daedalus Integrated Writing Environment, composed of modules to enhance process writing in English. Describes five modules adapted for use in French as a second language classes: InterChange, Invent,…

Effectiveness of a computer simulation to teach endodontic diagnosis was assessed using three groups (n=34,32,24) of dental students. All were lectured on diagnosis, pathology, and radiographic interpretation. One group then used the simulation, another had a seminar on the same material, and the third group had no further instruction. Results…

Provides guidelines for the organization of information (tables of contents, headings, grouping, URLs--Uniform Resource Locators--and e-mail tags) and the construction of a Web page (size considerations, concision, spelling, file dates, e-mail links, visual appeal, link relevance, copyrights). Includes source code for a sample lesson page and…

Describes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in elementary and secondary school classrooms to analyze neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Discusses GIS software, databases, graphing data, and spatial analysis, and includes an example of a project for secondary school students investigating the local economy for summer jobs. (LRW)

Describes teaching freshman composition and rhetoric via e-mail as a distance education course at Tomball Community College (Texas). Discusses student and instructor responsibilities, e-mail procedures, problems encountered (lack of time, and managing disk and mailbox space), and benefits (reduced paper use, typed corrections, accurate records,…

Investigates the benefits of using a single personal computer and a projection system to teach undergraduate statistics. Identifies the required hardware and software, as well as the educational objectives and methods. Maintains that this method allows for immediate assessment and feedback. (MJP)

Compares collaborative problem solving by learners sitting side-by-side with computer-mediated learning at a distance. Three aspects are studied: high school students' problem- solving strategies and interpretation of the teaching situation; their use of components of the situation; and the cognitive processes involved in understanding domain…

Describes an investigation into the use of the World Wide Web as a teaching tool in a computer studies methods course and a computer literacy course at two Australian universities. Student and teacher evaluations highlighted the positive outcomes resulting from student-centered, collaborative learning using the Web. (SM)