In this study, 364 first-year physics students were randomly assigned to one of four online multimedia treatments on Newton's First and Second Laws of Motion: (1) the "Exposition", a concise lecture-style presentation; (2) the "Extended Exposition", the Exposition with additional interesting information; (3) the "Refutation", the Exposition with…

Prior knowledge is often argued to be an important determinant in hypermedia learning, and may be thought of as including two important elements: domain expertise and system expertise. However, there has been a lack of research considering these issues together. In an attempt to address this shortcoming, this paper presents a study that examines…

Reports on a one-year action research study at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) which explored processes by which a cohort of postgraduate teacher trainees learned personal information and communication technology (ICT) skills. Discusses learning strategies reported by students in interviews; considers previous experience and software…

Examines the history of informatics in France and reports on a quantitative study conducted at a University Institute for Teacher Training (IUFM) to determine students' initial knowledge and opinions regarding information technology. Objectives related to information technology are discussed, and constraints on information technology related to…

Investigated the effects of presentation format (animation, still graphics, text) and the students' prior knowledge on learning a computer-based physics lesson in grades eight and nine. Results of an analysis of covariance indicated that specific presentation formats are not equally effective for the different prior knowledge groups. (Author/LRW)

Considers the impact of information technology (IT) on children's learning in schools with particular reference to two studies that examined the value of using IT. Discussion includes the difficulties of evaluating IT effectiveness and some explanations for the insignificant impact of IT in the studies. (13 references) (KRN)

Describes a pilot study aimed at exploring the possibility of introducing simulation-based homework into junior high school ninth grade science classes studying electric circuits. Analyzes students' views in relation to their prior computer experience and their achievement, and discusses results from questionnaires and interviews that show…

Compares a multimedia package for teaching about the phases of the moon to grade 8 (12-year-old) students with a conventional three-dimensional modeling approach. Results show both methods were equally effective in terms of student learning, for male and female students, and prior computer experience was not a factor in multimedia use. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the use of new information technology in schools and reviews research on the psychology of learning and instruction. Highlights include a theory of expertise; individual differences in learning; the role of prior knowledge; social interaction and learning; transfer of cognitive skills; and designing computer-based learning environments.…

Describes activities of the Educational Technology Center at Harvard University, which focus on the use of computers and other technology to improve K-12 instruction in science, mathematics, and computing. Topics discussed include curriculum development; students' prior conceptions; the construction of scientific knowledge; the use of software;…

Describes a survey of teachers enrolling in postgraduate courses in Great Britain that was conducted to determine prior information technology experience and what the students perceived as information technology training needs. Highlights include differences between primary and secondary teachers, gender issues, age, and computer ownership. (16…

Presents findings of a study designed to identify the background and process factors that influence the success of groupwork with computers. The multisite case study involved mixed-sex mixed-ability pupils, aged 9-12, who undertook mathematics tasks using LOGO or a database. The discussion includes the impact of organizational styles and patterns…