Maccia's epistemology of intelligent natural systems implies that computer systems must develop qualitative intelligence before knowledge representation and natural language understanding can be achieved. Emotion and sensation--capabilities which computers do not currently possess are vital to the growth of the mind (Stanley I. Greenspan).…

Institutions spend millions of dollars on computer training rooms yet give little thought to lighting, temperature, ambient noise, furniture arrangement, and other physical factors that affect learning. This article examines some problems and suggests remedies: changing furniture, controlling monitors, and redesigning rooms. Lists selected…

Discusses the power of media psychology, particularly that of the PC, CD-ROM, and television, and its effect on learning and behavior. By merging it with relevant concepts and research findings from such areas as learning theory, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and systems theory, educators can create a sharper tool for learning. (VWC)

Examines the Digital Oscilloscope program that allows most Macintosh computers to dynamically display the waveform of any sound recorded by a microphone. Describes how the program can be used to illustrate the concept of timbre as well as reinforcing concepts of frequency, amplitude, and wavelength. (MJP)

Describes results of a meta-analysis that was conducted to determine whether there was a difference among the responses of secondary urban, rural, and suburban students to computer- assisted instruction. Discusses effect sizes and comparing mean effect size by educational setting. (LRW)

Describes an exploratory study that attempted to discover the patterns of linguistic interaction of second language learners in a computerized literary reading environment and the implication of using computer books in an ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) elementary school classroom. (LRW)

Introduces an instructional approach referred to as collaborative project-based learning and describes a new Web-based technology, "ALiVE" designed to support this instructional approach. Discusses information resources management; scaffolding with templates; communication; collaboration; coordination; and technological overhead.…

Describes the development of Model-It, a ScienceWare software tool developed by the University of Michigan in collaboration with high school science teachers to support learners in building qualitative models and then move to more quantitative models. Highlights include modeling versus simulation and assessing the impact of Model-It. (LRW)

Describes the Teaching Decisions Simulation, a program that allows participants to make decisions regarding lesson plan activities and student and teacher spatial arrangement or interactions. Postlesson feedback includes variables such as completion time and performance measures. Experienced teachers exhibited more deliberation in completing the…

Summarizes an interactive computer-based reading program developed to enhance the linguistic proficiency of intermediate language students and increase their awareness of Francophone cultures. The article describes the program's glossing capabilities and its tracking device and summarizes the pilot research that preceded the program. (38…

Describes a study of fifth-grade students in Taiwan that explored the differential effects of intergroup competition on intragroup cooperation and interpersonal relationships within groups in a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) environment. Statistically significant differences were found between the two treatment conditions (with and without…

Based on classroom observation, interviews, and student and teacher surveys, this study examined student interaction and participation within a computer-mediated communication (CMC) environment in a college-level plant science lab course. The CMC discourse encouraged experimentation, sharing of early ideas, increased and more distributed…

Discussion of multimedia networked learning products focuses on the development of materials for a class at Queen Margaret College (Scotland). Examines cognitive issues, logistical procedures, support issues, ownership of materials, and management issues. (Author/LRW)

The goal of this study was to predict which students are at risk in Web-based classes at the community college level and to gather information on why students drop these classes. The reason given by the 22 students interviewed was that they could not obtain, access, or install all the required learning materials in a timely manner and that they…

Describes a study conducted at a private college in Malaysia that identified factors that helped learners successfully use information and communication technology in a virtual learning environment. Topics include skills and attitudes of students; awareness of information available on the Internet; access to the Internet; and perceived…