The identification and integration of reusable and customizable CSCL (Computer Supported Collaborative Learning) may benefit from the capture of best practices in collaborative learning structuring. The authors have proposed CLFPs (Collaborative Learning Flow Patterns) as a way of collecting these best practices. To facilitate the process of CLFPs…

What is known about the cost effectiveness of interactive courseware (ICW) is reviewed, and issues that remain are summarized. Effect size is used for reporting the effectiveness of ICW programs. Two ICW media are considered: computer-based instruction and interactive videodisc instruction. Effect sizes for computer-based instruction have been…

A study was conducted for the Cumberland Campus of Nova Scotia Community College to determine whether a heterogeneous group of adult learners could make significant gains in academic achievement using a computer-based learning system, and how such gains compared to those associated with more traditional learning approaches. A sample of 15…

An update of an earlier publication, "Software for Substance Abuse Education," this guide provides critical reviews of available technology products designed to instruct students, teachers, or parents about alcohol and other drugs. The products included are computer software, interactive videodiscs (level III), non-interactive videodiscs…

This paper examines improving learning outcomes through redesigning information landscapes. The concept of information landscapes has been a constant theme in the development of interactive multimedia packages. For the user interface to this information to be effective and efficient, consideration must be given to the cognitive load placed on the…

The stated goal of Individual Computer-Assisted Instruction (ICAI) research is the development of computer software that combines much of the subject matter being studied, any particular student's learning schema, and the pedagogical knowledge of human tutors into a powerful one-to-one learning environment. This report describes the initial steps…

This paper presents the results of three years of development and evaluation of a CD-ROM/Web hybrid simulation known as Brownfield Action for an introductory environmental science course at an independent college for women in the northeastern United States. Brownfield Action is a simulation that provides a learning environment for developing the…

Describes the development of computer-assisted instructional software designed to supply future teachers with a repertoire of songs and related music concepts for classroom use. Tests the efficacy of the software at two preservice teacher education programs. Students in both programs thought the software served their needs. (MJP)

Online teaching and learning has been in transition for its entire existence. The number of courses offered at a distance has grown rapidly. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (Waits & Lewis, 2003), in 2000-2001 more than 56% of four-year colleges and universities in the United States offered distance education degree…

This collection is designed for use by educators who need to make decisions about the use of microcomputers in schools, or who want to keep abreast of new developments in the field. The report provides an overview of the literature entered into the ERIC database in 1989 on computer use in elementary and secondary education, adult education, and…

These proceedings contain 15 papers presented at a conference that included three general sessions and concurrent sessions for task forces on international adult education, computers, research, instructional improvement, self-directed learning, human resources development, and theory building. Some papers appear only as summarized versions. Titles…

This annotated bibliography provides an overview of literature entered into the ERIC database in 1988 on computer use in elementary and secondary education, adult education, and special education. The first of four sections provides a list of overview documents on: computer-assisted instruction. Focusing on special applications, the second section…

Reviews three computer software: (1) "Elastic Lines: The Electronic Geoboard" on elementary geometry; (2) "Wildlife Adventures: Whales" on environmental science; and (3) "What Do You Do with a Broken Calculator?" on computation and problem solving. Summarizes the descriptions, strengths and weaknesses, and…

Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the interactive CD-ROM "The Oregon Trail." Maintains that, although the program offers a sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans, it is still rife with cultural bias. The simulation's structure accentuates the white male experience at the expense of others. (MJP)

The race is on to survive the competitive educational market which nearly everyone can now access with the click of a mouse. Many institutions are turning to DETs to tap into this market. The difficulty is evaluating the effectiveness of these tools and the education that is provided by them. Implementing a new DET is neither a simple matter nor a…