Ten ways to design an effective Human-Computer Interface are explained. Highlights include material delivery that relates to user knowledge; appropriate screen presentations; attention value versus learning and recall; the relationship of packaging and message; the effectiveness of visuals and text; the use of color to enhance communication; the…

Discusses collaborative writing with hypermedia and multimedia tools as well as the requisite hardware and software support that foster cognitive and social skills. Proposes research on the impact on and possibilities for students and teachers using collaborative writing in hypermedia environments. (102 references) (JKP)

Discusses issues relating to the integration of information technology into K-12 curricula, focusing on the need for structured inservice programs for teachers to develop competency with technology and curricular applications. Also examines the issue of gender equity in education and the inclusion of inservice strategies to address the problem.…

Informs parents that computers can be used for demonstration; classroom settings; tool laboratories (spreadsheets and graphics); multimedia presentations; networked instructional laboratories; integrated learning systems; schoolwide networks; writing laboratories; distance learning; and telecommunications. A sidebar lists 20 questions to ask when…

Presents six teaching ideas from teachers in Foothills Schools, Alberta, Canada. Includes suggested activities on local government, computer uses in social studies, Canadian history, current events, and world studies. Provides models of a passport application, passports, and visas. (CFR)

Describes an educational project linking classrooms using telecommunications with a four-person bicycling team exploring Mayan ruins in Central America. Provides a historical overview of the Mayan civilization. Includes suggested activities and provides information on how to obtain lesson plans on the project. (CFR)

Describes a thematic curriculum unit in which elementary students simulate travel around the world and record their experiences using word processors and databases. Includes figures listing student directions and an actual student journal entry. Asserts that technology can heighten student motivation and improve knowledge about the world. (CFR)

Examines the development and validation of a new instrument that assesses student perceptions of gender equity, investigation, innovation, and resource adequacy in computer-assisted learning. A survey of 671 high school students in Singapore revealed that each scale displayed satisfactory validity and reliability. (65 references) (Author/AEF)

Examines the premise that experience with computers can fundamentally alter teaching. Contends that the promise of computers and other educational technology is overstated. Presents a case study and summaries of other studies that suggest a teacher's instructional philosophy is a more powerful determinant of computer effectiveness. (CFR)

Explores how a Texas public school district progressed with a state mandate to integrate information technology into the curriculum. A survey was administered to evaluate why information technology is or is not efficiently used in the district's learning processes. Results found influential factors such as attitudes; hardware, software, and…

Describes a junior high school course in musical composition using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) technology. Discusses course objectives and three composition projects. Includes a list of definitions and asserts that MIDI technology offers students and teachers a powerful method to study how music works. (CFR)

Factors that may hinder use of computers by speech/language/hearing clinicians in the schools are limited access, lack of training, worry over time constraints, and doubts regarding efficacy of computer activities. Clinicians should explore possible benefits of computer use such as tools for linguistic and phonological analysis, treatment data…

Many faculty are skeptical about applying digital technology to teaching and learning. Discussion includes interactive instruction and student responsibility for learning, cost effectiveness, the potential for enriching curriculum, helping students reason and learn, applying instructional design more effectively, and connecting departments and…

Asserts that commercial online computer services provide a wealth of features that can be helpful in teaching political science. Discusses four commercial services and recommends the use of Prodigy because of its ability to link one article to other articles of related content. (CFR)

Tested an innovative, computer-assisted educational approach to alcohol abuse prevention with college students and examined implications of the approach for middle school students. The intent of the intervention was to examine how students' early experiences with alcohol might influence their handling of dilemmas related to alcohol use in college.…