Concept mapping with "Learning Tool," a computerized mapping program, was used to assess changes in the content and organization of 17 preservice teachers' concept maps for the topic of effective teaching. This study illustrates how concept mapping can be useful in describing students' evolving constructions of knowledge in a particular…

Describes the "SemNet" software and some of its uses as an educational and research tool, with emphasis on the similarities and differences between concept mapping and semantic networking. (PR)

Thirty-seven secondary students with learning disabilities were taught health facts and concepts, which they then applied to problem-solving exercises presented through computer simulation games. Students who were taught an explicit strategy for solving problems performed better on two transfer measures than students given supportive feedback and…

Describes a step-by-step procedure that enables teachers to develop lessons that effectively use software or special calculators in the classroom. Problem-solving strategies and questions are determined that correspond to the technology through which students are able to construct their own knowledge. Illustrates the procedure using spreadsheets,…

A study compared effects of two methods of teaching geriatric dentistry: traditional approach based on readings, and computer-assisted simulation of patient interaction and clinical decision making. Although subjects (n=20) showed no significant differences by treatment, computer-trained students had statistically nonsignificant higher performance…

Describes educational innovations that have taken place at Fearnhill School (Letchworth Garden City, England) as part of the Education 2000 project. Highlights include moving from teaching to learning; cooperation between teachers, community groups, and private sponsors; use of the library; computer technology, including conferencing; and the role…

Shows civilian applications for Department of Defense education and training efforts and instructional technology. A search showing a gap between the ERIC and NTIS (National Technical Information Service) databases covering government documents is described. Suggestions for additional research and an overview of federal statutes which include…

Explores the concept of extraneous roots in radical equations using an alternative to traditional algebraic methods. Using calculator- or computer-based graphs, accounts for extraneous roots by examining the four possible cases of systems of equations that can produce the solution to the radical equation. (MDH)

Views the learning resources center (LRC) as the most accessible place at two-year colleges to apply microcomputers to instruction, pointing to the potential for LRC involvement in microlabs, computer-assisted instruction, staff development, software collection development, providing assistance with interactive authoring systems, automated…

This article discusses cooperative learning and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for students with behavioral disorders. Elements of cooperative learning lessons and relevant software considerations are reviewed. Guidelines are offered and examples using specific software packages given, including models based on learning together, "Jigsaw"…

Describes study of English education undergraduates at West Virginia University that measured attitudes toward and perceived uses of computers before and after a course on computers and writing. Prior computer experience, computer anxiety, and concerns about computers are examined, and pretreatment and posttreatment results are compared. (16…

Describes two experiments, one with undergraduates and one with high school students, that tested instructional strategies for teaching computer programing. The cognitive styles of impulsivity and reflection are examined, completion strategy versus generation strategy is tested, and results support a preferential model rather than a compensatory…

Describes study that examined kindergarten and second grade students' recall of information that had been presented on a computer with varying levels of visual action and verbal labels. Developmental differences in children's use of verbal and visual systems are discussed, and reading ability levels are considered. (29 references) (LRW)

Describes three experiments which examined the relative instructional effectiveness of using small group computer-based training (CBT) and individual CBT in a military setting. Retention abilities are tested in two of the experiments, pretests and posttests are described, cost effectiveness is discussed, and cooperative learning is considered. (25…

Describes a study that investigated the effects of using different forms of computer-based feedback on high school students' learning of science material. Hypotheses tested are discussed, five feedback conditions are described, posttests are explained, and results are discussed in terms of the information processing effects of different feedback…