This report reviews 36 evaluation studies to examine the effects of instructional technology on mathematics and science learning. Four types of computer applications are explored and discussed: (1) integrated learning systems in mathematics; (2) computer tutorials in science; (3) computer simulations in science; and (4) microcomputer-based…

This paper describes the use of Java to develop a variety of educational materials to supplement both traditional instruction and Internet-based instruction. Efforts have focused on three projects that vary in course level, content, and style of interaction. Unlike the simple Java applets on the Web, these are very sophisticated simulation…

A usable instructional system is defined as a system that enables learners to accomplish learning goals or tasks in an effective and efficient way. This paper investigates the usability of the Virtual Hospital Round (VHR) prototype, and explores medical students' and professionals' attitudes toward the VHR system. Results of the evaluation of the…

This paper examines the implementation of 3D simulation through the development of the Avenor Virtual Trainer and how situated learning and fidelity of model representation become the basis for more effective Interactive Multimedia Training Situations. The discussion will focus of some principles concerned with situated training, simulation,…

The acceptance of animation technologies is increasing. Video games, such as Sony PlayStation (SONY, 2002), have become part of the culture for young people from kindergarten through undergraduate school. Animation technologies have been implemented into educational systems in the form of animated pedagogical agents (Johnson, 2000). The research…

Current e-learning models have been criticized by constructivists for providing content without a learning social context and have argued that such learning contexts need to be designed into e-learning programs. This paper takes issue with this approach, suggesting that it unnecessarily imports into e-learning assumptions and strategies from the…

Describes seven styles of software designed to improve mathematics and science learning: (1) microworlds, (2) educational games, (3) microcomputer-based instrumentation, (4) databases, (5) tools, (6) languages, and (7) simulations. A list of recommended science and mathematics software is presented with suggestions for further areas for software…

Describes research in music education at Laval University in which students receive auditory training using a microprocessor-based hardware system. Topics include intervals, chord quality, scale degrees, diatonic tonal functions, rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation, jazz chord quality, microtones, and fundamentals. Students maintain full…

The effectiveness of a computer-assisted training method using computer simulation of two subsets of the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children--Revised was compared with traditional methods for teaching the administration of the test. Results suggest that the computer simulation was a very effective teaching method. Eleven references are listed.…

Asserts that simulations and multimedia tutorials may become powerful teaching methods when historians better understand how to tailor courseware to their particular courses. Reviews creating and using the computer based historical simulation "Eunice: A Captivity Simulation," and designing the simulation "In Search of Freedom:…

This article discusses features of multimedia instructional tools that may provide students with moderate to severe mental disabilities with more effective and efficient simulated instructional tools in the area of transition skills (i.e., community literacy skills, mobility skills, and safety skills). Information about a project to develop a…

Reviews the research literature on the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in the education of health professionals. The use of tutorial software, computer simulation, and interactive multimedia are discussed; the fields of nursing, medical, pharmaceutical, and allied health occupations education are covered; and further research needs are…

Describes simulation software that was used with an LCD overhead display and laptop computers for large introductory psychology courses. The use of experiment simulators to increase student interest and activity is discussed, hardware is explained, and interaction between students, instructor, and the simulation is described. (14 references) (LRW)

Compares retention of popular science material by fifth grade students using either computer simulation software or expository text as the instructional tool. Finds a statistically significant superiority in favor of the expository text group. (RS)

Describes projects developed through the Long Distance Learning Network (LDLN) that experimented with using telecommunications in classrooms in the United States and in other countries. A creative writing project involving elementary school students in the United States, Canada, and Australia is described, and a seventh-grade geography project is…