Introducing new software to students can be done effectively if teachers provide a brief introduction; show a finished project; build a chunk of the finished product; give student pairs the steps to complete their own chunk and coach as needed; and give students a computer-based tutorial, guiding them through the same procedure. (PEN)

Discusses a computer-assisted language learning model developed by the Didascalia center designed to comply with as many Belgian criteria as possible and based on contents and events in an object-oriented approach. Describes how the didacteme as basic object can enhance learner-content interaction and how this approach can lead to a new platform…

"The Electronic Bookshelf," a computer-based reading motivation/management system, is described. The program verifies reading comprehension skills, keeps student records, provides a master list of titles for students to choose from, provides feedback and the opportunity to re-quiz, allows teachers and/or students to create quizzes, and includes a…

Describes experiences in using a software package, LearnLinc, for multimedia-based learning in distance education courses for higher education. Topics include distributive learning; feedback; finding curriculum that is appropriate for the technology; copyright issues; application sharing; desktop videoconferencing; chat; e-mail; and future…

Proposes a novel methodology that employs Bayesian network software to assist teachers in efficiently deriving and utilizing the student model of activity performance from Web portfolios online. This system contains Web portfolios that record in detail students' learning activities, peer interaction, and knowledge progress. (AEF)

Discussion of online learning and standards for web-based and computer-based courseware focuses on learning objects, defined here as small, stand-alone units of instruction that can be tagged with descriptors and stored for reuse in various instructional contexts. Presents principles of learning object design and guidelines for assuring that…

Describes the development of "Alien Rescue," a hypermedia-based program designed to engage middle school students in solving a complex problem related to the solar system and that has a science fiction premise. Discusses planning; producing and testing; theoretical influences on the design methodology; and trends in educational software…

Discusses aspects of computers and computer software that motivate at-risk inner-city students. Concludes that the computer definitely serves as an important medium of instruction for these students and that software determines its success or failure. Calls for more simulations requiring collaborative problem solving and continued use of…

Describes several writing projects that use computers to expose students to art, cultural history, and present day technology. Suggests activities for Prehistoric art, Egyptian art, African art, Japanese art, and Native American art. (MG)

Raises issues connected to the new teaching problems that accompany using computers in writing classrooms. Discusses three general categories: difficulties in transferring successful practices; difficulties in expanding successful practices; and difficulties in simply understanding which teaching practices may turn out to be successful. (MG)

Discusses the use of computer-illustrated texts to teach statistics at the college level. Microcomputer-based software that can be used in the areas of calculation, graphics, simulation, animation, and text presentation is described; and use of the software for lectures, laboratory use, and tutorials is discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Describes the use of computer networks and integrated learning systems (ILS) in education. File servers are explained; operating system software is discussed; hardware differences between local area networks (LANS) and integrated learning systems are described; criteria for purchasing ILS are presented; and initial costs are mentioned. (LRW)

Outlines practical strategies which educational administrators can apply in planning for the use of advanced instructional technologies, and presents a checklist to use in evaluating new instructional devices. Highlights include assessing instructional needs; hardware and software considerations; vendors; costs; and effects of change and…

Reviews the use of microcomputers in the art studio and classrooms. Argues that there is a lack of effective software for art education, but that computers are useful for enhancing standard visual grammar. Suggests that the most legitimate educational use of computers is employing them to discover new ideas in better ways. (GG)

Encourages reading teachers to create their own instructional software, using recent advances in authoring systems which have made teacher-constructed microcomputer lessons instructionally viable. (MG)