Discusses students' learning engagement and describes a study that investigated whether teachers could accurately judge elementary school students' learning engagement with educational software. Explains teacher's use of a seven-level taxonomy to rate the frequency of different forms of engagement among 42 students interacting with different types…

Used software in the form of talking books to promote phonological awareness in children beginning to read. The 15 children, aged 3 to 6, who received the intervention showed higher increases in phonological awareness than the 15 comparisons, but there were no significant benefits observed for word reading. (SLD)

Reports results of a controlled experiment to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a learning process that takes place in a dynamic computer-based simulation, done with and without recording and accessing the history of the learning process. Discusses findings with respect to the self-learning process and using simulators in electronic…

The need to train on-site clinical supervisors often clashes with the practicality of time constraints of a variety of counseling professionals, as well as a significant geographical separation. This article is an overview of how one university developed online training to provide supervision training to clinical supervisors unable to attend live…

Discusses the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) in the classroom as an alternative to computers. Describes their use as a computer, textbook, calculator, calendar, notepad, and pencil. Summarizes advantages and disadvantages of their use. Includes a list of websites providing PDA resources for instructors. (JOW)

Explains how a microcomputer-based algebra software system, muMATH, can be used to help students understand the theory of convergence of infinite series. Examples are given to illustrate nth term test, ratio test, comparison test, integral test, and Raabe's test. (10 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of word processing to organize and catalog information, presenting an example of creating personal library catalog listings. Brief articles discussing other professional uses of computers are included as well as answers to specific questions regarding such use. (CB)

Discusses tutoring and consulting functions in interactive computer environments. Tutoring strategies are considered, the expert model and the user model are described, and GENIE (Generated Informative Explanations)--an answer generating system for the Berkeley Unix Mail system--is explained as an example of an automated consulting system. (33…

Describes how using split screens allows students to see writing as a complex and recursive yet coherent process rather than as a linear progression of distinct activities. Suggests that "windows" encourage sustained engagement in prewriting by opening accessible passageways for movement from prewriting and planning to drafting and…

Before buying classroom computers, you should read professional and trade journals to become aware of applications. Then talk to other teachers, compile a wish list, and develop a long-term plan. Includes applications for technology education and suggestions for hardware purchases. (JOW)

Explores the potential for using Intelligent Educational Systems (IES) for anchoring instruction in macro contexts in science education. Topics include anchored instruction; situated cognition; problem solving; cognitivism; interactive video environments; and examples of combining IES and anchored instruction. (LRW)

Presents arguments based on the writings of John Dewey which offer support for the continued use of computers in classrooms. Topics discussed include a philosophy for computers in education; the meanings and values of tools, including meaning as a social construct; and imagination and play. (Contains four references.) (LRW)

Discusses the use of videodiscs in schools and suggests criteria for the selection of videodiscs and videodisc players. Topics include different videodisc formats, including CLV (constant linear velocity) and CAV (constant angular velocity); mapping; repurposing; content and age suitability; documentation; vendors; and Level I and Level II…

Explains how a teacher came to have his own computer lab. Recommends a five-step procedure for other teachers who would like to have a computer lab in their classroom: (1) be an opportunist; (2) take pictures; (3) publish students' work; (4) use the computers well; and (5) ask for computers. Includes brief descriptions of related hardware and…

Discusses basic methodological considerations involving the creation of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) software for introductory and intermediate courses. (GLR)