Reviews changes in the ERIC database on compact disk that have been made in systems offered by the following vendors: Dialog, SilverPlatter, and OCLC. Highlights include system requirements, costs, search strategies, printing, help screens, tutorials, double posting, available formats, display of search results, and searchable fields. (LRW)

Discusses conceptual constructs that may be useful for inservice teacher education programs evaluating the nature and educational use of instructional software for adult learners. Topics discussed include the increasing use and importance of computers in industry and in education; intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs); and the concept of an ideal…

Reviews current writing center debates about the peer tutor's role and authority. Presents three case studies investigating the ways in which first-time tutors and their clients enact role and authority in their tutorial relationships. (RS)

Describes a reading lesson conducted with a child, using a lesson framework developed for children with reading problems. Discusses each lesson component and the reasons for its inclusion in the framework. (SR)

The results of survey that found out how many of 269 engineering schools deliver accredited programs via television are discussed. Information about the technologies employed, the use of tutors in conjunction with videotaped courses, and logistics of exam monitoring and exam security is provided. A list of colleges offering televised engineering…

Describes the creation and use of an interactive tutorial for college students on the Declaration of Independence, called "Political Society and You." Activities that emphasize critical reading and historical interpretation are discussed, the computer software is explained, and the response form used for student feedback is described.…

Discusses the integration of instructional science and computer science. Topics addressed include motivation for building knowledge-based systems; instructional design issues, including cognitive models, representing student intentions, and student models and error diagnosis; representing tutoring knowledge; building a tutoring system, including…

American Indian teenagers and preteens were tutored by 24 home economics student teachers. Compared with a control group of 24, student teachers' attitudes were significantly more positive toward the youths' abilities, appearance, conduct and knowledge after the tutoring program. (SK)

Describes a successful cross-age tutoring experience in which a senior high school student with considerable reading difficulties tutored an eighth-grade learning-disabled student, resulting in improved reading skills and attitudes for both students. (SR)

A student (age 15) classified as behaviorally disordered tutored a student with learning disabilities. The peer tutoring brought about improvements in the tutee's on-task and academic performance but not in the tutor's disruptive behavior. Self-monitoring and a self-instructional component were then implemented to eliminate the tutor's disruptive…

The study of a peer-mediated instructional procedure (Classwide Peer Tutoring) with 9 students (ages 78 to 119 months) classified as mildly mentally retarded found that daily practice of spelling words using the procedure resulted in 95 percent correct on weekly tests, about 90 percent correct on tests of long-term retention, and positive student…

Discusses three children who successfully learned phonics in three very different instructional settings (conventional, whole language, and tutoring in a learning center). Notes that the children developed in similar ways, yet at different rates; the teachers nudged the learners toward literacy development; and writing was a part of the curriculum…

Data collected from National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, transcripts, graduate follow-up, and interviews at Trigg County (Kentucky) High School showed that parent involvement, expanded tutoring, higher expectations, more homework, and positive school climate contributed to significantly improved reading and science scores. (SK)

Describes in detail a one-to-one writing conference between a graduate student tutor and a basic writer in a writing center. Raises questions of problem identification, the university context, learning disabilities, tutor training, professional development, and what constitutes good tutoring. (RS)

Discusses the increasing number of college students taking courses online via the Internet and describes student help pages from various colleges to determine their content. Examines equipment requirements, tutorials on computer procedures, technical support, and the need for effective orientation to this new type of course. (LRW)