Discusses groupware, a form of computer-mediated communication that supports interaction and cooperative work among group members regardless of location. Highlights include computer-supported cooperative work; electronic mail; computer conferences; group decision support systems; an example of a classroom groupware project with undergraduates; and…

Reports the results of a field study evaluation of a virtual role-play environment, "Ghostwriter," which was designed as a preparation activity for writing stories. Examines the effects of "Ghostwriter" has on characterization in children's imaginative writing. Participants were 60 children aged between 10-12 years. Results…

Investigates students' own interpretations of their contribution to computer-mediated discussions. Subjects were 20 students between the ages of 15 and 16, who participated in computer supported collaborative learning inquiry in literature. Results show how individual students interpret their contribution to the collaborative knowledge…

Developed and evaluated a middle school literacy program designed to meet the needs of urban early adolescents. Findings from evaluation in two schools implementing the Student Team Reading and Writing program and three comparison schools indicated higher achievement for program participants. (SLD)

Demonstrates how to integrate static web pages with the dynamic forum for an effective learning experience on the online writing lab (OWL). Explains why asynchronous feedback provides effective, individualized writing instruction to students with various learning styles and how collaborative learning is fostered through threaded discussion groups.…

Presents a lesson plan on Pompeii (Italy) for middle school students that utilizes a teaching technique called interactive presentation. Describes the technique's five phases: (1) discrepant event inquiry; (2) discussion/presentation; (3) cooperative learning activity; (4) writing for understanding activity; and (5) whole-class discussion and…

Discusses factors for authentic collaborative learning with computers. Highlights include software design, social environment, preparatory activities, accountability structures, and group assignment rationale. Discussion highlights advantages of collaborative learning and the alternatives of individual and large group computer-based environments.…

Examines the impact of learning activities and college environments on learning. The GRE Verbal and Quantitative subtest scores for a national sample (N=2,281) of students were dependent variables. Student involvement in learning activities and environments that were most directly related to the learning outcomes enhanced learning. Studies of…

Describes the Touchstones Discussion Project at New York's Rice High School, in which students lead and participate in discussions on writings related to controversial issues. Suggests that the project helps students master complex material and develop leadership skills as they take increasing responsibility for their education. (AJL)

Describes the function game, or input-output game, and its benefits. One person is the computer and thinks of a rule. Classmates give input values and the computer gives the corresponding output. The object is to guess the rule. Benefits include the use of mental mathematics, problem solving, communication opportunities, and fostering key ideas,…

Examines teachers' use of and students' reactions to cooperative learning, and the quality of the group cooperation from a sample of Dutch primary schools. Reports that students' social skills, on-task behavior, and self-esteem improved, while students reported a positive attitude toward cooperative learning. Includes references. (CMK)

This study evaluated a six-step strategy for solving mathematical word problems and partnered practice with 24 third-grade students with mild disabilities. Measures of process (use of the strategy regardless of correctness of answer) and product (finding correct answers) was significantly better than controls. Students' and teachers' attitudes…

Discusses active learning and cooperative learning strategies and suggests how they may be applied to library instruction. Highlights include active learning versus the lecture mode; student involvement; retention of information; class time needed; planning required; and selecting a teaching technique based on objectives and student needs. (LRW)

Discusses studies that indicate that most American Indians have a historical and contemporary aversion to writing and reading. Suggests that the use of process drama in American Indian classrooms can bridge the gap between Western philosophies and education and American Indian religious attitudes and oral traditions. Concludes if educators…

Presents an example of a completed Patchwork Text assignment written by one of the students in a course for primary school student teachers becoming specialists in science. Writing examples are provided under these main topics: What is Science?; Science and Society; Science and the Media; Science and Religion; and Science and Stereotypes. (AEF)