This study investigated whether achievement, completion rate, and lesson time vary with computer-screen layouts using good design principles compared with poorly designed screens. Results with adult learners using computer-based instruction showed no difference in achievement scores but good design did lead to higher completion rates and less time…

This study conducted at a small southeastern university compared student learning as measured by pre- and post-tests, faculty time spent, student time spent, and student-completed course evaluations for two graduate level school library media courses offered in both hybrid and fully online formats. Using pre-test scores as covariates to control…

A study investigated the relationship between type of reading instruction (whole language or basal), and (1) time spent engaged in authentic reading activities and (2) reading attitudes as measured by the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey (ERAS). Subjects, 23 students from a blended first/second grade whole language classroom in a suburban…

A study examined reading performance data on 659,214 students in grades K-12 for the 1994-95 school year to determine the possible effect of literature-based reading practice on student performance in schools of various kinds. Using a computer-based testing program to measure student reading practice, the study compared the amount of practice…

Elementary-school learning-disabled, emotionally disabled, educable mentally retarded, and nonhandicapped students (N=122) were observed during written language instruction, to document writing tasks and student responding. Extreme variability was found in the amount of time individual students spent in writing activities or in receiving written…

Describes a study of undergraduates that was conducted to examine the equivalence of the mode of administration using the paper-pencil and computer-based versions of the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory. Differences in scores are discussed, time taken for the inventories is studied, and further research is suggested. (Contains 16 references.)…

In two experiments, children and adults were exposed to four different information-processing tasks to measure speed and variability of performance across different age groups. It was found that 10- and 11-year-olds were about 1.7 and 1.6 times slower than 19-year-olds, differences that were not affected by allowing both groups practice on the…

Describes a study of undergraduates that examined the potential trade-off in study efficiency and breadth of learning for hypertexts studied by selecting units from a content map. Compares study strategies and text recall with a more- and less-segmented hypertext and discusses text representations, study times, knowledge representation, and…

Electronic performance support systems (EPSS) deliver relevant support information to users while they are performing tasks. The present study examined the effect of different types of EPSS on user performance, attitudes, system use and time on task. Employees at a manufacturing company were asked to complete a procedural software task and…

This study described and compared the reading of sixth and eighth grade students both in and out of school using a unique data set collected with the Experience Sampling Method (ESM). On average, students read forty minutes a day out of class and seventeen minutes a day in class indicating that reading is a common leisure practice for…

The role of central auditory processing in reading skill development and reading disorders is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine whether individuals with specific reading disabilities (SRD) have deficits in processing rapidly presented, serially ordered non-speech auditory signals. To this end, we compared 12 children with SRD and…

This study investigates the relationship between speed of recognition and accuracy of the responses when visual mental imagery is controlled through imagery instructions. The procedure was to compare the achievement of learners where the independent variable was imagery instructions. The subjects were two 20-person groups of undergraduates from a…

This comparative analysis examined effects of direct instruction, cooperative learning, and independent learning instructional practices on the classroom behavior of four third graders with behavior disorders. In the direct instruction condition, students displayed higher rates of on-task behavior and lower rates of disruptive behavior relative to…

The purpose of the research was to determine experimentally whether the addition of features to enhance learner motivation and collaboration, termed motivational scaffolding, to the ''traditional'' distance learning design improved engagement, and performance, particularly among procrastinators. Two versions of a web-based five-credit study skills…

This paper focuses on the effectiveness and feasibility of two different kinds of individual learners' support in software training in undergraduate classroom settings. Describes varied user interfaces, including a training wheels interface; compares tutor instruction versus self-learning material; and considers learning time, learning outcomes,…