Contends that, in the past few years, historians have shown increasing interest in the utilization of databases and database software for both teaching and research. Focuses on the value of historical databases and illustrates the approach with examples drawn from financial and industrial databases. (CFR)

A system to monitor student reactions to what is occurring on a computer screen is described. The system produces a split-screen image of the computer screen and the student's physical (facial and bodily) and verbal responses. It was developed to help improve an independent-study prototype for a finance course at Pennsylvania State University.…

Maintains that a continually recurring task for art educators is preparing, delivering, and revising instruction design to help student achieve art curriculum goals. Describes a course to develop instructional materials using multimedia computer software. Includes 11 figures illustrating the technique. (CFR)

Presents a summary of research findings related to factors involved in effective economics instruction and student achievement. Finds that student academic ability and teachers training in economics are the two most important variables of students' economic knowledge. (CFR)

Maintains that sociology was founded in the 19th century as a discipline for the scientific study of social order. Contends that the discipline has been attacked by both liberals and conservatives. Argues that teaching sociology as a laboratory science is the best way to improve the discipline's professional and public image. (CFR)

Summarizes concerns addressed at the 1991 "Future Tense: Art Educational Technology" conference. Addresses two questions implicit throughout: (1) how do the arts serve this new technology? and (2) how can the technology best serve arts education? Reports that among the most troublesome issues addressed were access and equity, the…

Asserts that electronic mail provides opportunities to engage students actively in cross-cultural contact with students in other nations. Discusses advantages and problems with using electronic mail in the social studies classroom. Describes electronic mail projects that link students in New Zealand, England, and the United States. (CFR)

Two programs are described in which students monitor water quality and pollution in local streams and rivers. Discussed is the integration of computers and telecommunications into the classroom. Suggested activities that might start students thinking about a classroom project are included. (KR)

Describes microcomputer use in an introductory sociology course. Augments course objectives with tutorials on test items. Evaluates computer integration with an experimental design comparing traditional and computerized sociology courses. Finds the computerized group outperforms the traditional group. Suggests students of all ability levels…

Asserts that, although pressures to publish have detracted from the quality of teaching at the college level, recent innovations in educational technology have created opportunities for instructional improvement. Describes the use of computer-assisted instruction and databases in college-level history courses. (CFR)

Describes an experimental set of workshops in which primary age children used computers to create visual images. Concludes that using computers to create student artwork offers significant opportunities for primary and elementary art education. (CFR)

Presents a collection of computer programs for teaching elementary and middle school mathematics. At the primary level, programs teach students skip counting, measurement, graphs, number patterns, place value, addition, and subtraction. An action game for the upper elementary level teaches mental math, geometry, statistics, addition,…

Arizona State University has created longitudinal student files capable of tracking each student's curricular and financial aid history from entry until graduation. The structure of the files, their creation and maintenance, and their evolution over the years are described. Uses of the files to conduct different kinds of studies to inform…

Presents a brief overview of the recent history and current state of computers as instructional tools for history. Maintains that, although computer use in social science research has increased, most classroom instruction remains static. Includes several descriptions of programs and applications for classrooms. (MJP)

Describes an interactive computer simulation where the student assumes the role of a reporter searching for a missing biologist in Columbia. The search involves simulated news broadcasts, documentary footage, and interviews with Colombians, all in Spanish. The student accesses help via electronic archives (translated words) and faxing the editor.…