This overview of nonexperimental causal research methods focuses on latent variable structural equation modeling using the LISREL computer program. An extended example in special education is used to present LISREL as an extension of structural equations analysis (path analysis) and as a method of reducing the effects of error in research.…

Discusses the problem of establishing terminology for mental models, attempts to sort out the various meanings found in the literature, and offers definitions that could help in developing a more standardized terminology for discussing issues of concern to researchers in human-computer interaction. The role of mental models in learning and using…

Organized from the viewpoint of information retrieval theory, this review addresses issues of chemical information representation, comparison and matching, and retrieval strategies. Additional topics include similarity and clustering, visualization, and molecular diversity. Trends in research and application are identified, and gaps in the…

Aims to elucidate the new sacred of Technique (technical phenomenon) proffered by Jacques Ellul, then examine education as technology in need of desacralization and disestablishment in the manner described by Ivan Illich. Moderns are called to awaken from the isolation and determinism of Technique and education qua technology which deny people's…

Contemporary culture exhibits an increasingly polarized spectrum of attitudes toward virtualization: those who want photorealism and those who seek sheer fantasy. This author describes "Virtual Realism," his strategy for balancing the two social forces. His students at California's Art Center College of Design are putting it to the test.…

Describes how a library, with an MCI Corporation grant, approached the process of setting up computers for the visually impaired. Discusses preparations, which included hiring a visually-impaired user as a consultant and contacting the VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) group; equipment; problems with the graphical user interface; and training.…

Presents various ways of understanding knowledge and intellectual capital and the assets they produce. Considers implications of assessing the return on educational technologies as organizational knowledge assets. Presents a case study to illustrate how an educational technology application might help capture the benefits of knowledge capital.…

Examines the effects of program mode (i.e., a lean program version containing a basic amount of learner practice versus a full mode containing expanded practice) and learner preference (matched or unmatched) for amount of practice on the achievement, time-in-program, and attitudes of university undergraduate students. Students preferred the lean…

The WEBrary(R) databases at the Morton Grove Public Library (Illinois) provide patron-accessible searchable databases, easily available over the library's Web site. Database offerings include the locally maintained Song Collection Index, Obituary Index, Continuations Listings, On-Order files, topical and personalized New Acquisitions files, and…

Describes the benefits of World Wide Web sites for students' career explorations. Lists and describes Web sites available for use with a career study in the middle/junior high grades. Each Web site reviewed includes the site title, author or responsible agency, originating date, the address, and an annotation. Information regarding reviews and…

Describes a study of undergraduate students that was conducted to compare the effectiveness of three computer-assisted career guidance (CACG) systems in terms of their contribution to career decision making and the attitudes of students regarding the helpfulness of CACG. Evaluation standards are discussed, and measurement techniques are explained.…

Discusses the value of school library automation, and suggests that an automated school library is the right of every child and teacher. Examines the role of the teacher librarian in the current environment; advantages of Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs); and trends towards greater convergence in information technology applications in the…

Describes creating a middle school literacy approach that combines teaming and exploratory experiences with a technology-based intervention. Considers classroom environment, the literacy workshop, the Peabody Learning Lab software, evaluation, multi-media projects, teacher support, and assessment. (JPB)

The SPECIAL system is a computer application that allows learners to control the speed of video playback. Learners viewed an educational video and used a modified version of the SPECIAL system to search for particular items during playback. Results showed neither question type nor video type had a significant effect. Concludes that multimedia…

Evaluates development and effectiveness of a Web-based administration support for business students at Liverpool John Moores University. Considers whether the strategic planning and individual school developments have influenced the development and usefulness of the campus-wide information system. Discusses action research findings on student…