To explore media theories of perceived reality regarding factuality, social, and physical realism, and "videocy" (or theatrical spectacle), 32 children in first, third, and fifth grades were individually interviewed after attending a production of "Dinosaurus" which included computer-animated dinosaurs. Contrary to beliefs that…

This paper presents the methodology and results of teaching an entire engineering course using challenge-based instruction. The challenges consisted of eight biomechanics multimedia learning modules developed by the authors as part of a broader NSF educational coalition. The biomechanics modules were presented in an undergraduate mechanical…

Research continues to support the many teaching and learning benefits of one-to-one laptop learning. Benefits range from improved student engagement and teacher-student interactions to the attainment of 21st century skills and the transformation of teacher practice. Additional benefits include improved student writing skills, increased teacher…

The present study expands the design of Warschauer (1996) surveying freshman foreign language students at a Turkish university. Motivating aspects of computer assisted instruction in terms of writing and e-mailing are explored through an exploratory factor analysis conducted on the survey developed by Warschauer (1996). Findings suggest that…

For a number of years, authorities in the field of early education have questioned whether computers should be used in classrooms of young children. In response to the controversy surrounding computers and young children, this study investigated directors' reports of the use of computers in Texas child care facilities. Directors of licensed child…

The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of computer use in U.S. schools and the relation of computer use to academic achievement in mathematics, reading, and writing. The report discusses methodological issues and presents the results of analyses of the social distribution of computer use and the relation of computer use to academic…

This study investigated elementary teachers' personal experience with computers in classroom instruction, identifying key causes of comfort or discomfort with computer use in the classroom. The study involved 10 elementary teachers who were part of a larger study on the same subject. In that larger study, researchers collected demographic data and…

A study investigated the usefulness of an online writing lab, Smarthinking, in a college writing tutorial program. The study investigated 4 issues: what Smarthinking is and how it works; what students think of the program; what instructors think of the program; and whether Smarthinking is cohesive with writing center principles and procedures. A…

The purpose of this study is to compare the results achieved when a computer-managed learning program is used in high school mathematics classes with the results achieved when traditional teaching strategies are utilized. The control groups for Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, and Geometry received traditional classroom instruction. The intervention groups…

This paper discusses issues related to the teaching and assessment of 21st century skills and competencies in OECD countries drawing on the findings of a questionnaire study and other relevant background material such as white papers or curriculum documents. Although all OECD countries were invited to participate in the questionnaire survey,…

The evaluation of the Texas Rural Technology (R-Tech) Pilot sought to understand how districts implemented R-Tech grants, the effects of implementation on student and teacher outcomes, as well as the cost effectiveness and sustainability of R-Tech. The Texas legislature (80th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2007) authorized the creation of…

A comparative study was conducted to compare two approaches to engineering design curriculum between different schools (inter-school) and between two curricular approaches, "Project Lead the Way" (PLTW) and "Engineering Projects in Community Service" (EPIC High) (inter-curricular). The researchers collected curriculum…

Needs for academic computing services on the West Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University are assessed in this report, which presents data collected by a survey of department chairpersons in five areas: (1) campus-wide needs; (2) general trend in the use of academic computing services; (3) level of need being met; (4) needs for each school or…

Increased attention on the quality of teaching has meant an increase in the use of student surveys as a measure of perceived teaching quality. Many student surveys, which typically take the form of teacher and course evaluations, are conducted at the end of a school term and are more summative in nature. Results are given to the instructor after…

Mediated learning utilizes multimedia-based instructional modules to provide students with individualized access to information in alignment with their individual learning styles (Kinser, Morris, & Hewitt). In contrast with traditional pedagogy, the mission of the instructor in a mediated learning environment is to facilitate learning rather than…