Discussion of learning with technology as well as about technology focuses on a case study of a middle school nature area that uses technology to extend accessibility of environmental data. Highlights include the design of Web pages to describe the nature area; file sharing software; and the use of videoconferencing. (LRW)

Asserts that current software makes it easy for instructors to integrate visual displays into their lectures. Reviews the benefits of using visual displays, provides a taxonomy of visual displays, and proposes principles for constructing each type of display. Includes reproductions of related computer graphic screens. (MJP)

Provides some cursory guidance on the mechanics of establishing and instructing in a virtual classroom. Briefly discusses the history and central issues of distance education, describes how to teach an online virtual seminar, and offers recommendations for future courses. Discusses such issues as instructor availability, directing discussions,…

Studied how differences in race, gender, and academic ability affected students' use of computers and attitudes toward computers. Results with 73 suburban fifth graders show that computer technologies were less available to students who did not do well with traditional approaches, in spite of the interest traditionally disadvantaged students…

This paper promotes further discussion and analysis of interactivity in learning environments and contains a classification of interaction types appropriate for consideration in multimedia settings. Through an examination of related factors associated with navigation and control, a matrix of interactive dimensions is proposed. (Author)

A meta-analysis compared the academic achievement of students (grades 6-12) who received traditional instruction or traditional instruction supplemented with computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in science, reading, music, special education, social studies, math, vocational education, and English. The study determined that students receiving…

Summarizes the findings of a study of the conditions associated with introducing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into precollege curricula. Principal data sources included questionnaires, field observations, and interviews. Concludes that GIS will rapidly, and inevitably, become the tool of choice for exploring spatial concepts. Includes…

Illustrates how a computer software symbolic-processing program can be easily incorporated into an advanced undergraduate microeconomics course. Symbolic-processing programs are relatively sophisticated software packages that combine numeric, symbolic, and graphic computation in a single unified computing environment. Includes examples of…

Exploration of a specific use of Text Based Virtual Reality--not just as powerful communities for authentic communication and collaboration in language learning but exploiting role-playing and writing aspects. The "Walk on Ice" takes a group of adult English-as-a-Second-Language learners through the creation of imaginary characters who…

Examines the extent to which student groups working with the Chelsea Bank computer simulation were able to use school-to-work transition skills. Results show that students demonstrated substantial involvement with workplace skills and were considerably more actively engaged with learning than studies of traditional classrooms. (Author/AEF)

Discussion of student assessment in online learning focuses on a study conducted at the Center for Excellence in Education at Northern Arizona University that examined assessment of student's performance in Web-based and Web-enhanced coursework. Compares assessment in online courses to assessment in traditional courses based on results of a…

How will appropriate technologies for courses designed in the 21st century be determined? Some say the meeting of students with teachers will soon be a relic of the past, like signal fires. Others advocate the need for face-to-face instruction. Another position is advocated by those who say education should use a combination of face-to-face and…

Examines the effects and implications of embedding the element of competition in computer-assisted cooperative learning situations on student cognitive, affective, and social outcomes. Results of statistical analyses of Taiwanese fifth graders show that cooperation without inter-group competition engendered better attitudes and promoted more…

The authors recount some challenges associated with teaching poetry to high school students and describe how an interactive software program to generate "found" poetry based on student input helped simulate dialogue about words and word choices. (AEF)

Reports on a study in which an interactive computer-based tutorial with a decision support system and simulations is evaluated in the context of a distance education business degree course. Discusses the effect on students' motivation and the impact on their ability to transfer knowledge to the workplace. (Author/LRW)