Describes student involvement within interdisciplinary, cooperative-learning environments that utilize desktop publishing, computer interfacing, and video production to promote students' investigation, analysis, and synthesis of scientific issues. Each student group is guided by a preservice university partner, from a science methods course, to…

Considers educational technology's role in designing effective instruction. Instructional design that supports systematic determination of instructional goals and methods for accomplishing those goals and for assessing success requires consideration of four variables associated with instruction: (1) learner characteristics; (2) learning task; (3)…

Describes the development and advantages of LEGUME ID, a multimedia module for agricultural education. LEGUME ID is an example of how teachers, given the opportunity through accessible computer software programs, can create powerful teaching tools. Summarized is a student response to the use of this teacher-produced software program. (MCO)

Discussion of learner-controlled instruction focuses on a study of undergraduates that compared learner control with program control in interactive videodisc instruction for making an origami crane. Student performance, self-efficacy concerning the instructional task, time on task, and student attitudes toward the instruction are examined. (32…

This second article in a two-part series on telecommunications in secondary schools examines strategies for better support of telecommunications implementation. Highlights include management strategies for CMC (computer-mediated communication) use; instructional strategies for online database inquiries; teacher support strategies; simulation…

Describes a computer simulation called ICCARUS (Intelligent Command and Control, Acquisition and Review Using Simulation) that was developed for training fire officers in the United Kingdom. The integration of microcomputer-based software, videodisks, and audio material on compact disks into the simulation is described; and results of an…

This study examines the effect of the "Technical Troubleshooting Tutor," a computer-coached training program, on aircraft electrical system troubleshooting. Performance ability differences between control groups are noted, and troubleshooting models and flow diagram examples are included. The study demonstrates the possibilities for…

Describes a study that examined the extent to which different levels of instructional control and varied learner characteristics affected performance and time on task, using interactive video in a college biochemistry course. Prior knowledge and learner internality/externality are discussed, and interaction between learner ability and…

Describes "Student Journal," an electronic writing tool for journals that uses the Macintosh HyperCard and accommodates three different kinds of journal entries--student teacher, cooperating teacher, and supervising teacher. Includes samples of representative entries and a discussion of their value. (SM)

Reports on the first stage of a British phonetic training project in foreign language learning that used a repurposed videodisc developed by using the editing capabilities of an authoring tool. Topics discussed include student motivation; content issues; teaching strategies; questioning/feedback techniques; text and graphic screens; and manuals…

Describes a social studies assignment developed for Arizona eighth graders that focuses on Arizona history but also incorporates English, math, and computer programming skills to create a computer program about traveling through the state. Topics discussed include classroom management, computer requirements, community involvement, and interaction…

Describes the HyperCard Library Instruction Project (CLIP) and the research upon which it is based. Findings of research of HyperCard instruction with secondary students and a description of ways to use HyperCard instruction are presented. A sidebar article describes the California-based CLIP program and the HyperCard modules the organization is…

A three-year study at the University of Alabama compared a traditional lecture method for teaching library research skills with a course-integrated, computer-enhanced approach by assessing each method's impact on the quality of bibliographies from engineering students' term papers. In four of the five semesters, no significant differences were…

Based on a session at the 1990 annual conference of the American Society for Information Science (ASIS), this issue presents 14 articles that discuss innovations in curriculum and instructional methods in information science and how to share them internationally, especially with developing countries. Highlights include distance education and the…

Discussion of the introduction of computers into African countries for social and economic purposes focuses on the use of computers in schools in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Topics discussed include obtaining hardware and software; training needs; the adoption process; teacher attitudes; and possible futures of computers. (54 references) (LRW)