Discusses the implementation of interactive educational software that was designed to enhance critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving in a university psychology course. Piagetian and computer learning perspectives are explained; the courseware package, PsychWare, is described; and the use of heuristics and algorithms in…

Describes the software package developed as a result of a project aimed at developing an effective model of computer assisted instruction to encourage the development of research and critical thinking skills among students. The package includes modules for class assignments, encyclopedic background information, a citations database, and access to…

Discusses the historical development of educational technology in China and describes current concerns and practices. Topics discussed include the inadequacy of the present educational system; implementing educational technology; the need for theoretical studies; the need for integration of hardware and software; distance education; individualized…

Discusses instructional considerations of group size for computerized instruction. Situations calling for individual use, small group use, and large use of computers are described; individualistic, competitive, and cooperative learning are explained; peer tutoring versus teacher guidance is examined; and courseware selection is discussed. (eight…

Describes study that was conducted to determine whether four- and five-year-old preschoolers could be taught reading skills with computer-assisted instruction, and whether they could learn basic computer literacy skills without direct instruction and drill. Software is described, and the pretest/posttest single group design is explained. (16…

Describes various technologies used in distance education projects in elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Topics discussed include correspondence study; telephone audioconferencing; computer based messaging; audiographic conferencing; teleconferencing; interactive television fixed service (ITFS); satellite broadcast; and…

Describes an intelligent tutoring system named MENDEL, including problem GENERATOR, TUTOR, student MODELER, ADVISOR, hypothesis CHECKER, and problem SOLVER. This software may be used by high school or university biology students as a tool for learning concepts and problem-solving strategies in transmission genetics. (YP)

Reports a study of the initial effects of word processing on essay-writing performance and on writing apprehension. Concludes that college freshmen using word processing showed greater progress in writing performance from pre to post essay tests than did those using traditional methods, but they did not show significant difference in writing…

Presents an overview of intelligent computer-assisted language instruction (ICALI) research as a type of artificial intelligence research. Outlines the components and kinds of ICALI systems. Examines practical research considerations such as personnel needs for development of ICALI software. (Author/LS)

Discusses the nature and function of mental models, explains tools for exploratory and expressive learning, and describes a research program to be conducted in the United Kingdom for 10- to 16-year-olds that is designed to explore characteristics of students' mental models. Highlights include knowledge domains; software, including simulations; and…

Reviews the historical development and technological features of hypertext, a computerized nonlinear text system. Three major areas of applications are identified: (1) instruction, (2) electronic publishing and online databases, and (3) thinking and authoring tools. Research issues in document processing and education are also discussed. (28…

Evaluates 16 commercially available courseware packages covering topics for introductory physics. Discusses the price, sub-topics, program type, interaction, time, calculus required, graphics, and comments of each program. Recommends two packages in measurement and vectors, and one-dimensional motion respectively. (YP)

Describes the design and development of a computer simulation and accompanying software to teach the scaleup of chemical processes to chemical engineering students at Penn State. Collaboration on the instructional development team is described, software modules are explained, and students' evaluations of the system are reported. (LRW)

Discussion of group dynamics and long range planning focuses on a technology audit conducted to help determine a long range plan for computer use in the Rangley, Colorado, public schools. Planning strategies are explained, survey questions are presented, and the actual audit process and trends that emerged from it are described. (LRW)

Five articles explore various theoretical aspects of problems and problem solving skills. Highlights include strategies to learn problem solving skills; knowledge structures; metacognition; behavioral processes and cognitive psychology; erotetic logic; creativity as an aspect of computer problem solving; and programing as a problem-solving…