The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a metaphorical interface on germane cognitive load in Web-based instruction. Based on cognitive load theory, germane cognitive load is a cognitive investment for schema construction and automation. A new instrument developed in a previous study was used to measure students' mental activities…

Today various types of tablet computers are used, including iPad and Android Tablets. These individual portable digital devices can be used as e-book readers to support mobile personalized learning. Though many studies have investigated e-books by targeting undergraduate students, yet less attention has been paid to children. Therefore, an…

This review of four different computer-assisted instruction algorithms concludes that current authoring guides are more concerned with "user orientation" than with instructional principles, and advocates the application of a design model based on Gagne's information processing model of instruction. Nine references are listed. (MER)

This paper compares two alternative computer architectures that have been proposed to provide the control mechanism that enables an intelligent tutoring system to decide what instructional action to perform next, i.e., discourse management networks and blackboards. The claim that an intelligent tutoring system controlled by a blackboard…

Computer and video games are a prevalent form of entertainment in which the purpose of the design is to engage players. Game designers incorporate a number of strategies and tactics for engaging players in "gameplay." These strategies and tactics may provide instructional designers with new methods for engaging learners. This investigation…

Education is moving towards revenue generation from such channels as electronic learning, distance learning and virtual education. Hence learning technology standards are critical to the sector's success. Existing learning technology standards have focused on various topics such as metadata, question and test interoperability and others. However,…

The purpose of this study was to investigate how exposure to classroom instruction affected the use of a computer simulation that was designed to provide students an opportunity to apply material presented in class. The study involved an analysis of a computer-based crisis communication case study designed for a college-level public relations…

Comparison of various evaluation forms and reviews used to evaluate instructional software focuses on the criteria used in their assessments, and the usefulness and appropriateness of these criteria for making instructional decisions. Highlights include forms developed by national organizations, and reviews and awards appearing in scholarly…

The University of North Texas received a Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) Capacity Building grant in 1999 and a three-year Implementation grant in 2000. As a part of the PT3 activities, a four-course sequence was formalized to reach the goals. The evolution of this technology integration course sequence is described. Data…

This study compared the use of two developmental alternatives: a Web Editor (WE) in combination with a customized template/shell (Teaching Not Teaching, T-N-T) and a WE only, for development of a Web-based lesson by pre-service teachers. Six hypotheses were tested to find whether the WE and T-N-T alternative was more efficient, effective, and…

Description of a microcomputer-based instructional strategy used to adapt computer assisted instruction (CAI) to individual learners' needs highlights its use with elementary school arithmetic classes to solve work problems. Experiments with a control group that received conventional problems are described, and applications for undergraduate…

This final report presents a summary and second-year findings of a 2-year project designed to measure the effectiveness of microcomputer instruction on reading and mathematics skills, classroom behavior, general cognitive development, and problem-solving ability of 700 disabled students (ages 3-11) enrolled in four special education schools in New…

This paper describes "The Internet: Communicating, Accessing & Providing Information," a University of Alberta (Canada) credit course which is delivered over the Internet. The purpose of this course is to help students understand what the Internet is and to learn to use Internet tools. The paper: (1) discusses the primary development…

Proposes a framework to help course developers design criteria for optimal media deployment. The merits of radio, television, audio, video, and print are briefly compared with computer-based media and analyzed in light of six types of media characteristics: symbol system, access, controllability, student reactivity, interactivity, and adaptivity.…

This study examined the effects of a prototype of motivationally-adaptive CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction), developed in accordance with the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) model of motivational design, on achievement, perceived motivation (both overall motivation and for each of the ARCS components), efficiency, and…