This discussion of advances in computers and information technologies focuses on the development and design of new educational software called cognition enhancers, which include empowering environments, hypermedia, and microworlds. The implications of this new technology for students and teachers and its impact on society is reviewed. (LRW)

Discusses the nature of interactive video, its educational use, evidence for its effectiveness, and the design of interactive video courseware. Use by the military and industry is also described, studies comparing video with other instructional methods are reviewed, and areas for further study are suggested. Ninety-four references are provided.…

Discusses text presentation in computer-based instruction and reviews research that has been done in this area. Topics discussed include length of text, amount of text presented at one time, rate of text presentation, color, text comprehension, text structure, reader comprehension, and new directions for computer-based text. (23 references) (LRW)

Opportunities for online K-12 education are expanding dramatically throughout the United States. This paper describes some of the organizational models that have been developed to provide online education to public school students, including their key strengths and challenges. The review is intended to help state and local school officials weigh…

Although it has yet to make a major impact on education and training in the United Kingdom, interest in eLearning is growing. To facilitate eLearning, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is usually employed containing four main elements: courseware (self study learning materials, simulations, multimedia components); supporting materials…

Discussion of the unique features and benefits of community colleges highlights the integration of computers into instructional practice in these institutions. Topics discussed include instructional computing; academic software; faculty workloads; academic administration; standardization of instructional materials; technological orientation; and…

Discusses interaction and the need for considering cultural dimensions when translating instructional materials between nations. A taxonomy of educational objectives for interaction is introduced and Stolovitch's procedures for learning verification and revision (LVR) are discussed, including case studies describing interactive radio instruction,…

The use of technology in the language classroom is chronicled from early phonograph use through the emergence of the language laboratory, and computer technology. The role of appropriate materials and the importance of interaction and communication, even with technological aids, are stressed. (21 references) (Author/MSE)

Identifies and discusses 10 overly optimistic claims for the use of computers in the classroom, and makes recommendations concerning each claim. Highlights include computer labs versus curriculum integration; the development of hardware versus software; the values of computer literacy; computer networking; computer education training; the use of…

Defines playfulness in human-computer interactions in terms of flow theory and explores the dimensionality of the flow concept. Two studies are reported that investigated the factor structure and correlates of flow in human-computer interactions: one examined MBA students using Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, and one examined employees using…

Presents guidelines derived from cognitive and constructivist learning theory and instructional design literature for designing effective hypermedia-based courseware. Topics addressed include the influence of learning theory, hypertext and hypermedia, courseware design factors, learner interaction variables, practice, feedback, learner control,…

Discussion of positive and negative aspects of educational computing focuses on the use of the Logo programing language. Topics addressed include access to computers; software; teacher training, both preservice and inservice; implementation of computers; claims about the benefits of using computers; the role of schools in culture; and future…

Reviews recent research on cooperative computer-based instruction (CBI) and discusses findings related to achievement levels and ability, patterns of study, social interchange, motivation and attitudes, and gender differences. Guidelines for the implementation of cooperative CBI are presented, and implications for software designers are suggested.…

Some students do not "take to" computers as a learning tool. Reasons for this include inappropriate software; use of the same software for all students rather than accommodation of different interests, needs, and learning styles; and various handicaps (both physical and mental). For example, many students prefer a holistic approach;…

This report discusses the amount and kinds of Department of Defense (DoD) interactive courseware (ICW) programs that are candidates for transfer to the private sector. Candidates for transfer were identified through an analysis of the Defense Instructional Technology Information System (DITIS). Out of 4,644 ICW programs that have been reported to…