This paper describes the achievements of an innovative eight-year research program first introduced in Mizoguchi and Bourdeau (2000), which was aimed at building a theory-aware authoring system by using ontological engineering. To date, we have proposed OMNIBUS, an ontology that comprehensively covers different learning/instructional theories and…

There has been little research on assessment of learning management systems (LMS) within educational organizations as both a web-based learning system for e-learning and as a supportive tool for blended learning environments. This study proposes a conceptual e-learning assessment model, hexagonal e-learning assessment model (HELAM) suggesting a…

The purpose of this study was to create and evaluate personalised virtual learning spaces (PVLSs) in a course that was previously delivered face-to-face only. The study addressed three related questions: (1) Can a PVLS successfully be introduced into a course where IT has not previously featured? (2) Can the PVLSs be used to enhance the assessment…

It is important for the teacher to choose effective software for students. It is also important for designers to know what features of educational software make it effective. But the results of studies dealing with the effectiveness of educational software are contradictory. One reason for such results might be the fact that meta-analysis covers…

The authors address the role of computer support for building conceptual self-awareness--that is, enabling students to think outside of concept boundaries in hope of enhancing creative potential. Based on meta-cognition theory, we developed an integrated concept mapping system (ICMSys) to improve users' conceptual self-awareness in addition to…

Educational technology and instructional design research has focused on evaluating interventions and innovations in terms of their effectiveness, efficiency, and appeal. While such indicators of learning outcomes are important, designers should also strive for engaging, socially just, and transformational instruction. To illuminate the…

Educational software can be an effective way for teens to enhance their learning skills in out-of-school settings. Many software programs provide subject-specific content and tools to support conceptual learning and skills development. They allow for individual, self-paced learning experiences as well as collaborative projects. In addition,…

This revision of the structural equation modeling (SEM) package developed by J. L. Arbuckle is a commercial product that can compete with other SEM software. The revision contains new documentation, improvements in the way the program saves files, and new drawing tools. It is a substantial improvement over earlier versions. (SLD)

Suggests that good software: constitutes a coherent text within a consistent theoretical framework; encourages users to take action; makes sense of complexity of information; has a consistent interface; allows connection to other programs; lets the user know what is going on; and is flexible from the teacher's and the student's points of view. (RS)

Examines the effectiveness of grammar checking computer software in the journalism classroom. Finds that grammar checkers, in their current stage of development, may detract from learning rather than enhance it because of numerous errors in students' writing that went undetected. (RS)

The updated HyperCard is reviewed, and instructions are given for "unmasking" the full program. It is concluded that the improvements are powerful and give the program the potential to be a useful tool for educators who need to customize or create their own applications. (six references) (LB)

"Power Tools--Design and Application" (Furtaw) looks at differences between professional and ordinary consumer tools. "Low Budget Laser Printing Solutions" (Dose) gives graphic arts instructors tips on purchasing equipment for high quality output. (SK)

An electronic performance support system (EPSS) was tested by 14 instructional designers, compared with 12 controls working with traditional methods. The EPSS group produced a significantly better end product, but the control group scored significantly higher on a knowledge test. (SK)

Provides a step-by-step approach to test the Y2K readiness of computers. Gives advice on what actions to take if an organization's computer systems fail the test. (GR)

SOLAS is a general-purpose program for univariate statistical analysis with the ability to perform multiple imputation (MI) for dealing with missing data. Several completed data sets can be obtained and analyzed separately, and results can be combined so that extra variability due to missing data is taken into account. (SLD)