Presents a qualitative study of five groups of college students using Inspiration computer software to construct concept maps in an educational technology class. Considers how the maps changed during the semester, how course concepts were applied in a final project, and whether students reported that the collaborative concept mapping activity…

Presents the necessary steps for designing an effective language learning tool to foster communication and negotiation, considering the importance of supporting integral education, using tasks, providing elaborated input and feedback, and promoting collaborative learning. Reports on a study conducted using such a tool to determine whether…

Discusses conceptual knowledge acquisition using computer simulation and describes a study of undergraduates that examined the role of metacognitive skillfulness and intellectual ability during initial inductive learning with a complex computer simulation. Results showed that metacognitive skillfulness was positively related to learning behavior…

Discusses the use of technology to enhance literacy programs in libraries and suggests ways for librarians to increase their understanding of potential applications of technology to their programs. Technological tools are briefly described, and the activities of several public library literacy technology projects are summarized. (three references)…

Summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using computers in adult literacy instruction. Presents a matrix which permits teachers to see at a glance how any one of 112 specific software programs may be used. (RS)

Discusses several controversial aspects of computer-assisted instruction in general and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in particular, focusing on advantages and disadvantages, applications, effectiveness, and the future of CALL. (CB)

Presents five articles that consider computer keyboarding instruction at the elementary school level. Highlights include keyboard familiarization techniques that do not require a computer; integrating keyboarding skills into the rest of the curriculum; and Type-Right, an inexpensive laptop computer dedicated to teaching keyboarding. (LRW)

The Army's Job Skills Education Program is a computer-based instructional program that teaches basic academic skills in a job-related context. Its transferability to the civilian workplace provides another tool for enhancing workplace literacy. (SK)

The investigation of interactions between the abilities of stimulus discrimination and simple learning and two instructional variables (discrimination difficulty and degree of overlearning) with 27 mentally retarded adolescents found an interaction between stimulus discrimination and the number of words presented at one time for learning…

Potential pitfalls in implementing a competency-based, mastery model of computer-based training are mixing self-pacing and classroom instruction, failing to control entry and exit, failing to align curriculum, dealing with conflicting values about teaching, applying conventional test reliability measures to mastery tests, and coping with…

Hypermedia allows students to follow associative links among elements of nonsequential information, by combining information from multiple sources into one microcomputer-controlled system. Hypermedia products help teachers create lessons integrating text, motion film, color graphics, speech, and music, by linking such electronic devices as…

Discusses the following issues associated with designing ideal university microcomputer classrooms: (1) campus vs. departmental classrooms; (2) finding space; (3) furnishings; (4) classroom layout; (5) selecting hardware; (6) selecting software; and (7) funding. (MM)

Discusses the transfer of problem-solving skills from computer programing to other areas of learning. Logo programing is discussed, levels of programing ability are described, attributes of microworlds are presented, and implications of the growing use of computers in the classroom for educational planning are suggested. (15 references) (LRW)

Discusses the impact of technology on music education and its implications for curriculum development. Recommends a curriculum for the musically gifted based on aural skills, electronic instructional tools, and a skilled musician as instructor. Offers suggestions on how this curriculum can be implemented and expounds on the use of electronic…

Clarifies the definition of hypertext by contrasting traditional database management systems and associative information management systems software. Relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed, and useful applications of hypertext on personal computers are described. A glossary and a directory of product information are…