Presents a critique of recent theoretical developments in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) together with an overview of HCI practice. This chapter discusses why theoretically based approaches have had little impact on the practice of interaction design and suggests mechanisms to enable designers and researchers to better articulate…

The present study examined how important services were for distance learners and how satisfied they were with the services provided to them. Data were collected through a national on-line survey and threaded discussion. Results revealed that services overall were not particularly important to participants, though there were significant differences…

Observes the current impact and potential uses of computer technology in language instruction, discussing resources, funding, curriculum development, staff training, and equipment obsolescence. (CB)

The article reviews the development, functions, and impact of the National Special Education Alliance (NSEA), a network of centers disseminating information on adaptive computer technology. NSEA member centers are listed by state with name, address, and access information. (DB)

Examines the historical evolution of the competencies implied by the phrase "computer literacy" and identifies several competencies that will likely characterize the computer literate teacher in the 1990s. (42 references) (Author/MKR)

Discusses four factors related to the use of technology by teacher educators: motivation, when and where to use technology, how to use technology, and factors that affect the integration of technology. Examples of the use of technology in both teacher education and in public-school education are provided. (Author/CR)

School-based consultation teams have been implemented in a variety of ways to address students' academic and behavioral difficulties while supporting teachers. Discusses how computer software offers an effective and efficient means of guiding diverse team members through a comprehensive consultation process. (Contains 31 references.) (GCP)

Discusses the following instructional technology issues as they relate to corporate training and development, higher education, and K-12 education: (1) use of technology-based media for delivery of instruction; (2) constraints on acceptance and use of technology; (3) challenges to existing instructional technology paradigms; and (4) core versus…

Reviews research on children's use of computers and the Internet, educational benefits of information technology, problems with using technology with young children, and teachers' adoption and use of technology. Identifies Internet sites that provide guidelines for sensible Internet use and lists children-appropriate, instructional, and…

Investigates the comfort and use of technology among college students. Also investigates the use of communication technologies such as e-mail and the Internet for academic and nonacademic purposes. Findings suggest that the majority of the participants were comfortable with technology and used e-mail and the Internet for academic and social…

Describes the process of providing people with computer-tailored nutrition education and reviews the studies on the impact of this type of education. Results indicate that computer-tailored nutrition education is more likely to be read, remembered, and experienced as personally relevant compared to standard materials. It also appears to have a…

Object-oriented instructional design (OOID) offers the promise of universal access to online instructional materials, increased productivity among trainers and educators, and solutions for individualizing learning. However, it is unclear whether it can fulfill these promises to the degree many envision. As with every new instructional technology,…

Creating effective learning environments with technology remains a challenge for teachers. Despite the tremendous push for educators to integrate technology into their classrooms, many have yet to do so and struggle to find consistent success with technology-based instruction. The challenges to effective technology integration have been…

This article reviews content analysis studies aimed to assess critical thinking in computer-mediated communication. It also discusses theories and content analysis models that encourage critical thinking skills in asynchronous learning environments and reviews theories and factors that may foster critical thinking skills and new knowledge…

This paper summarizes the results of a review of the empirical literature (1990-2005) focusing on use of assistive technology as a self-management tool for persons with intellectual disabilities. Forty investigations were identified which provided information on assistive technology to assist persons with disabilities to initiate and complete…