The fourth in a series of articles on the evaluation of microcomputer software for information storage and retrieval, conducted by the Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN), presents test results for six indexing and full-text retrieval programs--Ask-It, KAware, Texplore, TextMaster, WordCruncher, and ZYindex. (13…

This report considers the progress of the introduction of computer-aided learning (CAL) into the curriculum, with particular emphasis on the situation in the Netherlands. It is argued that the major obstacle to further integration of computers into the curriculum is the rigidity of existing organizational and class structures, and it is suggested…

An analysis of computer literacy curricula around the middle of the 1980s shows a remarkable overall shift away from teaching computing to teaching applications, information handling, and problem-solving. Computer use is no longer viewed as a goal in itself, but is introduced as a powerful means of fulfilling information needs and of facilitating…

This second in a series of articles on a software evaluation project conducted by the Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN) lists and compares specifications, properties, and test results for nine microcomputer-based software programs that fall into the category of classical information retrieval systems. (26…

Lists and compares specifications, properties, and test results of eight microcomputer software programs for information storage and retrieval by endusers. This is one of a series of articles that have reported the results of a software evaluation project conducted by The Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN). (22…

Describes four areas of educational change: (1) the curriculum, (2) the role of the teachers, (3) the school structure, and (4) student learning. The impact of intensive computer use on each of these areas is examined using observations from a "technology-enriched" school project that is currently underway (1989-92) in the Netherlands.…

Within the framework of the Dutch national policy for the integration of computers in education, a cooperative research and development project is being carried out by two pilot schools (grades 7-12) and a team of researchers. Based on the results of an analysis of experiences and current practice on computer use in the two pilot schools and…

Two pilot schools for general secondary education in Enschede (The Netherlands) are taking part in the Technology Enriched Schools Project. One of the research questions is the valuation by the students of the use of computers in education. The valuation is influenced by factors which deal with the perception of the student; the use of computers…

This discussion of the integration of computers into the curriculum begins by reviewing the results of several surveys conducted in the Netherlands and the United States which provide insight into the problems encountered by schools and teachers when introducing computers in education. Case studies of three secondary and two elementary schools in…

This paper presents a framework for understanding conditions of discovery learning in computer-based microworlds. It begins with a short discussion of problems related to a traditional type of microworld--i.e., learning tools for mathematics--using the Dienes Multibase Arithmetic blocks as an example. In this discussion, hypotheses are developed…

Presents results of a survey of lower secondary schools in Belgium, France, Greece, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States that addressed the availability and use of computer hardware and software. Problems experienced in introducing computers into schools and the attitudes of principals toward computers are also…

Discusses virtual libraries, i.e., library services available to users via personal computers; considers the issues of technological development, user demands, and organizational response; and describes progress toward virtual libraries in the Netherlands, including networks, online systems, navigation tools, subject classification, coordination…

Describes design principles followed in developing an interactive microcomputer-based simulation to study financial and economic aspects of the Dutch social security system. The main goals are to improve participants' insights into the formal simulation model, and to improve policy development skills. Plans for future research are also discussed.…

Describes research with Dutch secondary school students that studied the effects of the presentation of more general (superordinate) concepts on the attainment of basic concepts, and the effects of two different forms of example presentation on concept learning. Computer based instruction and interactive video used in the study are described. (18…

The relationship between intellectual ability, working method, and learning was investigated with simulations in both structured and unstructured learning environments. High- and low-intelligence college students' thinking-aloud protocols were analyzed on quality of working method. Results indicated that both intellectual ability and working…