The impact of enhanced observation or enhanced prediction on scientific reasoning about heat energy and temperature problems was investigated. Instruction was successful in improving prediction and observation skills in the microcomputer-based laboratory environment. (CW)

Reviewed are "LABTECH NOTEBOOK,""LabVIEW," and "Parameter Manager pmPLUS/pmTALK." Each package is described including functions, uses, hardware, and costs. Advantages and disadvantages of this type of laboratory approach are discussed. (CW)

Discussion of information retrieval in the humanities focuses on a study of 10 graduate students at Indiana University as they conducted literature searches using databases on CD-ROM. Highlights include a review of related literature, search strategies, relevance assessments, human-computer interaction, and databases and indexing. (LRW)

Reviews the Total Library Computerization program, which can be used to manage small to midsized libraries. Discusses costs; operating system requirements; security features; user-interface styles; and system modules including online cataloging, circulation, serials control, acquisitions, authorities control, and interlibrary loan. (Author/JMV)

Discusses reasons why K-12 school libraries should purchase multimedia CD-ROMs and reviews 4 interactive CD-ROM encyclopedias based on interface, search capabilities, printing and presentation, product support, and overall educational value. Provides example computer screens and a comparison of the reviewed CD-ROMs. (Author/JMV)

Maintains that the Internet offers services and opportunities for music teachers and students. Provides an overview of topics such as electronic mail, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Gopher, and the World Wide Web (WWW). Includes two lists of music resources available on the Internet. (CFR)

Describes the use of "Graphical" Jogthrough method for evaluating the user-interface design of the Network Simulator, an educational simulation program that enables users to virtually build a computer network, install hardware and software components, make necessary settings, and test the functionality of the network. Presents evaluation results…

Running experiments and grabbing experimental data are great ways to learn and teach science and mathematics. Data grabbers are instruments that capture physical data in electronic form for graphing and analysis in graphing calculators and computers. Describes some data grabbers and points to items in their gigantic support system. (PVD)

Describes the structure of the graphical user interface for the digital resource library presently in use at three Baltimore middle schools. Focuses on video overview and preview mechanisms which are designed to facilitate users' exploration of the whole resource collection, support rapid browsing of object surrogates, and provide access to…

Discusses how to design and develop an effective Web site to enhance instruction based on a graduate course at California State University at Hayward. Topics include the analysis phase, content organization, site architecture, interface design, testing, and the evaluation process. (LRW)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is everywhere. The technology lets users make and receive phone calls over the Internet, transporting voice traffic alongside data traffic such as instant messages (IMs) and e-mail. While the number of consumer customers using VoIP increases every week, the technology is finding its way into K-12 education as…

The teaching of computing, like all subjects, requires a range of strategies to take the curriculum content (skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes) and put it in a form that is more easily learned by students. Metaphor has a particular role in the world of computing: embedded in the design of computer hardware and software; part of the…

This article investigates three types of content presentation (video documentary, computerized dictionary, and games) within interactive computer use at the Quebec Museum of Civilization. The visitors' viewpoint is particularly relevant for interface designing outcomes, since they argued that terminals require specific content display for…

Background: The idea for attempting a distance tutoring project between university tutors and elementary school students using Microsoft NetMeeting was conceived: (a) to provide a new experience mentoring children for university students pursuing a teaching certificate, (b) for university students to utilize technology in pedagogy, (c) as an…

To help students learn to navigate the information superhighway, a 2-hour pilot program with 10 hours of guided access time was developed to test a method for teaching the basics of maneuvering the superhighway and extracting information once located. This pilot was designed as a two-part instructional session. The first instructional session…