Issues connected with knowledge acquisition through the development of complex computer programs--Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs)--are discussed. The components of such a system and its applications are considered, including: elicitation of knowledge, tutoring with incomplete/uncertain knowledge, self-improving tutoring systems, and…

Discussion of group processes in computer assisted instruction highlights a research program being developed in the United Kingdom to explore computer groupwork with 9-to 12-year-olds. Variables to be considered in the research strategy are described, data collection methods are explained, and student attitudes and teacher roles are discussed. (24…

Discusses Alabama's attempt to provide computer aided instruction in remedial and initial instruction. Describes the program's funding, obstacles, and mileposts. Lists five phases for program development of competency software. Notes that 125 mathematics and five reading programs are available. (MVL)

Describes the development of the field of instructional science through a hypothetical dialogue. Topics discussed include programed instruction; behavioral psychology; learning theorists; cognitive psychology; concept learning; military training; applied versus basic research; behaviorism; computer-assisted instruction; educational evaluation;…

Describes five studies on educational computing: (1) word processing and writing processes in colleges; (2) simulations and problem solving for learning disabled high school students; (3) social interaction and problem solving in children using Logo and drill and practice programs; (4) computer access and flowcharting in programing instruction;…

Discusses the First Global Classroom Youth Conference, 1993, that was organized to involve students in the design and analysis of global educational computer networks. Guidelines were suggested in three areas: (1) language and cultural issues; (2) curricular and academic issues, including the credibility of online resources; and (3) technical and…

This article reports results of a case study of text-based online and CD-ROM databases that identified design characteristics that are important to high school students' use for higher-level learning as well as for information access and retrieval. Implications for the design of databases are suggested. (Contains 62 references.) (LRW)

Describes two activities to introduce or extend the concept of the natural number e. Students conduct a lottery using either a table of random numbers or a computer simulation to link experimental probability results to the theoretical probability and to the number e. (MDH)

This interview with Seymour Papert discusses literacy, computer literacy, and information fluency; problems with education; how children learn; the use of LEGOs and computers as constructive mediums; the movement for alternative schools; problems with curriculum; the role of government and corporate America; learning technology; interactivity; and…

Reports on a study investigating the effects of conceptual models (computer graphics and animation) on learning and transfer of code evaluation and generation skills of novice programmers; changes in declarative knowledge during skill acquisition; relationships between the quality of subjects' mental models and performance in skill learning and…

Describes the ImpacT study that was conducted in England and Wales to evaluate the effect of information technology (IT) on elementary and secondary school students' achievements in English, geography, math, and science. Research design and methodologies are explained, and results are compared with students not using IT. (Contains 15 references.)…

Examines features to consider when redesigning instructional materials to electronic format from print. Topics discussed include physical presence; human-computer interface; resolution and screen size; online help; interactivity; motion and sound; and software tools. Examples of screen designs are included. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Describes a modelling language for representing teaching strategies, based in the context of the COCA intelligent tutoring system. Examines work on meta-reasoning in knowledge-based systems and describes COCA's architecture, giving details of the language used for representing teaching knowledge. Discusses implications for future work. (AEF)

Assessed preservice teachers' responses to information about the process of writing via HyperCard stacks. Subjects were provided with the opportunity to examine children's writing development by viewing samples of their early writing, invented spelling, and composition. The program enhanced understanding with its combination of text and authentic…

The spoken language occurring when primary school children work in groups at the computer was examined. Findings suggest that discourse accompanying highly structured software conforms well to the initiation/response/follow-up (IRF) structure, with the computer often taking the initiating role. The more open-ended the program, the more…