In the past two decades, there has been a proliferation of research activities on exploring the use of concept maps to support teaching and learning of various knowledge disciplines which range from science to language subjects. MindNet, which is a collaborative concept mapping environment that supports both synchronous and asynchronous modes of…

Open Source Software (OSS) has introduced a new dimension in software community. As the development and use of OSS becomes prominent, the question of its integration in education arises. In this paper, the following practices fundamental to projects and processes in software engineering are examined from an OSS perspective: project management;…

This article explains the characteristics of three categories of Computer assisted language learning (CALL) programs that can be used in classrooms with conventional computer systems. The first category is dedicated programs, those in which the teacher cannot make any changes. The second is authoring programs in which teachers can insert their own…

The demand for extensive reusability of large language text collections for natural languages processing research requires development of standardized encoding formats. Such formats must be capable of representing different kinds of information across the spectrum of text types and languages, capable of representing different levels of…

This document provides testimony on the U.S. Department of Education's efforts to ensure that its computer systems supporting critical student financial aid activities will be able to process information reliably through the turn of the century. After providing some background information, the statement recaps prior findings and the actions that…

An Open University program to develop software for a microcomputer/speech synthesizer is described that could provide broad access to university programming, computer-assisted instruction, and data processing. The state of the art of speech synthesis and the problems encountered in program construction and trial are outlined. (MSE)

Describes the origin and reason for a survey conducted by questionnaire of pedagogical software use in Italian as a foreign language; analyzes each of the aspects surveyed; and ends with an overview of the current situation, including suggestions for the future. Describes projects respondents have developed or are developing. Findings reveal that…

Describes a study to determine whether attitudes toward hypermedia were changed in prospective and practicing teachers as a result of enrollment in a hypermedia in education class. Results indicate that an enriched unit of instruction on hypermedia can affect students' varying attitudes toward hypermedia. (Author/JKP)

Explored the performance of primary school children in Logo programming tasks while they worked in one of three gender pairs (girl, boy, or boy-girl). Found no considerable differences in performance based on gender. Results suggest that what distinguished performance was the application of metastrategic processes--the most effective solutions…

Uses three computer software programs to help students develop algebraic reasoning. Programs include spreadsheets, Logo programming language, and Teasers by Tobbs. (ASK)

Explains eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and describes how Dow Jones Interactive is using it to improve the news-gathering and dissemination process through intranets and the World Wide Web. Discusses benefits of using XML, the relationship to HyperText Markup Language (HTML), lack of available software tools and industry support, and future…

Discusses multimedia authoring software that uses hypertext and reviews the ways in which use of this technology may support improvements in assessment. Describes research with sixth graders in England that investigated how pupil-produced multimedia documents can reveal aspects of performance that traditional tests may not recognize. (Author/LRW)

In this study, the authors provide some details about a variety of entry-level skills that are vitally important to systems analysts. They gathered the data from information technology practitioners, who related their experiences with real-world systems development projects. Such empirical evidence may be useful to faculty as they decide which…

Advanced approaches to the construction of software systems can present difficulties to learners. This is true for multi-agent systems (MAS) which exhibit concurrency, non-determinacy of structure and composition and sometimes emergent behavior characteristics. Additional barriers exist for learners because mainstream MAS technology is young and…

This article presents a study that aims at constructing a teaching framework for software development methods in higher education. The research field is a capstone project-based course, offered by the Technion's Department of Computer Science, in which Extreme Programming is introduced. The research paradigm is an Action Research that involves…