Reviews empirical studies from a wide variety of fields to show that computer-based multimedia instruction may be able to help people learn more information more quickly compared to traditional classroom lecture. Topics include interactivity; control of learning pace; novelty; and learners with low prior knowledge or aptitude. (103 references)…

Explored students' perceptions of learning experiences in an online and a face-to-face section of the same university course. Qualitative data from students and the instructor showed the importance of peer interaction and cooperative learning environments; difficulties and benefits of Web-based instruction; and the importance of the affective…

Compares collaborative problem solving by learners sitting side-by-side with computer-mediated learning at a distance. Three aspects are studied: high school students' problem- solving strategies and interpretation of the teaching situation; their use of components of the situation; and the cognitive processes involved in understanding domain…

Describes a study that examined the effectiveness of theory-based computer-assisted instruction for reading with incarcerated adults reading below the ninth-grade level. Results of pre- and post-tests showed a significant reading achievement gain for computer-assisted reading instruction compared to traditional instruction for the lowest Grade…

Evaluates the effectiveness of Web-based, interactive, multimedia electronic learning materials by comparing students' learning outcomes in the lecture and online versions of an introductory computing course at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Suggests that the use of carefully designed interactive electronic learning modules…

Describes an evaluative study of a videotaped class offered to undergraduate education students at Boise State University. Comparisons are made with a conventionally taught class, student achievement and attitudes are described, technical quality is discussed, and a video utilization checklist is provided. (four references) (LRW)

A comparison of the oral and written performance of college students of French as a second language taught by traditional methods and by use of tape recordings found that the written task was performed equally well by both groups but that the oral tasks were performed better by students taught with tapes. (Author/MSE)

Compares gains in reading rate and comprehension of students using traditional texts and those using a computer-based, commercially prepared, speed reading package. Offers recommendations for the use of computers in college reading courses, focusing on hardware/software needs and student/teacher responsibilities. (DMM)

Details the development and field testing of hypermedia training materials for teaching radiology residents at the Montreal General Hospital (Canada). Compares results of randomly teaching 24 residents with either hypermedia or traditional classroom methods. Results indicate that residents who learned with hypermedia generally performed as well as…

Two articles describe the use of computer software to help elementary students develop literacy and writing skills: the first article evaluates "Writing to Read" software, comparing its use in classrooms and in computer labs with traditional instruction; the second article discusses using "Writing to Write" software with third graders. (LRW)

Describes a study that compared computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and a more traditional paper-and-pencil method in teaching mathematics skills to elementary school students with and without mild mental handicaps. Pretests and posttests were analyzed, and it was found that CAI, and extended practice, enhanced automatization of mathematics…

This study compared the relative effects of traditional and processing instruction on the acquisition of Spanish past tense verb morphology among 61 college-level learners of Spanish. Results revealed significant gains in both comprehension and production for subjects in processing instruction, while subjects in traditional instruction had…

Disputes the version of whole language presented by Michael McKenna et al. in the preceding article. Argues that whole language is an educational paradigm complete with theoretical, philosophical, and political assumptions and a congruent research agenda. Contends that "paradigm blindness" prevents critics from seeing the legitimacy of…

Examines the attitudes of physiotherapy students toward the replacement of conventional lectures with self-learning packages at the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Highlights include learning processes; a comparison of physiotherapy students with other students; and correlations between evaluation questions and English language fluency. (Contains 10…

Identifies stages in user adoption of virtual learning (i.e., Internet-based courses and traditional courses with Internet components) for higher education students and faculty. Instructors' stages of virtuality are: excited, apprehensive, questioning, determined, overstimulated, questioning revisited, and exhausted. Students' stages are:…