The purpose of this study was to introduce the Mole Solver, a computer based system that facilitates monitors and improves students' problem solving skills on mole concept. The system has three distinct modes that: (1) find step by step solutions to the word problems on the mole concept; (2) enable students to solve word problems on their own by…

Teaching can be understood as acting and deciding in a complex system. On that problem oriented mathematics instruction (POMI) can be characterized as very high complex particularly regarding to mathematical-cognitive aspects. To cope with resulting demands in the long run, the teacher has to be sensitive for this complexity. But what does this…

This study examined the cognitive impact of implementing a computer algebra system (CAS) on six intermediate algebra classes at Orange Coast College (California). The control group of three classes was taught using the traditional method of instruction and scientific calculators. The other three classes were the experimental group and were taught…

A study examined the effect of computer assisted instruction on the reading achievement of third- through sixth-grade students in a low socio-economic status community. Subjects were 23 students randomly selected from 41 students who received computer-assisted instruction and 23 students randomly selected from 28 students who did not receive…

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has developed a model for distributed learning that addresses around-the-clock access and support, leverages the resources of 23 institutions, and retains the pedagogical integrity of courseware. The model, a four-pronged approach, addresses the technology infrastructure, portals, content, and delivery.…

The building of community generally means the creation of stronger, better realized writing; it is a strong argument for classes in which students learn and use all the writing tasks and principles, from pre-writing to authoring, and learn to trust each other enough to become vulnerable since sharing implies vulnerability. The question of how to…

CD-ROMs like other curriculum materials, should be assessed for use in teaching and learning situations. Appropriate CD-ROM use should capture student interest, engage learners actively, provide meaningful learning, assist in providing for individual differences, and help students perceive the purpose of learning. CD-ROMs can be used to: (1)…

The potential of online discussions to prompt greater reflection of course material is often stymied by a tendency of students to agree with one another rather than formulating counterarguments. This study reports an experiment using note starters and elaborated cases to encourage counterargumention. A note starter is a drop-down form field that…

This paper describes the design of an adaptive user model and its implementation in an advanced Web-based Virtual University environment that encompasses combined and synchronized adaptation between educational material and well-known communication facilities. The Virtual University environment has been implemented to support a postgraduate…

Learning networks are a proven way to deliver massively scalable blended learning solutions that have been successfully implemented in a variety of commercial situations. For learning challenges that involve educating hundreds of thousands of distributed learners across thousands of organizations, learning networks can enable the delivery of…

This digest reviews some significant research on technology use in the classroom that examines how investment in technology will pay off in terms of student learning, and it indicates the conditions under which technology is most likely to have a positive impact on student learning. First presented are two longitudinal studies on how students…

Arguably the biggest "buzz word" of the current year has been "learning or knowledge object". To understand the learning object and why it should be such a highly desirable commodity, it is necessary to unpack not only this concept but more importantly revisit some contributing concepts and constructs (more buzz words) that support the building of…

Bugscope is an emerging educational technology project that allows students and teachers across grades K-12 to study insects and other arthropods through remote access and control of an environmental scanning electron microscope from their classroom computers. Teachers and students in 33 schools from 18 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands were…

Spatial context can be expected to play an important role in computer-based instruction and distance education using PC terminals because these types of computer-mediated instruction often occur in a restricted environment such as one's home or office. These settings, while convenient, are often isolated and lack diverse spatial cues. Fundamental…

Technology can be a tremendous asset in preparing professionals to work with young children and a number of technological applications can serve to enhance early childhood teacher preparation. Among these applications are: slide show presentations; use of the internet; introduction of students to software to assist in the development of…