Reviews three software programs: (1) "Cartooners"--develops creative arts and animation, grades 1-6, Apple IIGS; (2) "PC Globe+"--social studies, geography, grades 4-12, IBM(384K); (3) "Wood Car Rally"--physical science, scientific method, grades 3-9, Apple II. (MVL)

This unit is designed to acquaint middle school students with Pascal's Triangle. The unit is intended to be completed in small groups with a minimum of teacher direction. Students complete the activities by using manipulatives, calculators and computers and then report the results to the teacher and the class. The activities include: (1) patterns…

High school physics offers opportunities to use problem solving and lab practices as well as cement skills in research, technical writing, and software applications. Describes and evaluates computer software enhancing the high school physics curriculum including spreadsheets for laboratory data, all-in-one simulators, projectile motion simulators,…

This publication contains a selection of science education research papers, beginning with an overview of trends in science education cognitive developmental research and theory in the United Kingdom. Papers that follow focus on developments in studies of thinking and reasoning, including work on concept mapping and conceptual change. Closely…

The papers presented at the 1989 National Educational Computing Conference focused on ways of using technology to improve educational quality. Topics of the 50 papers and more than 120 abstracts provided in these proceedings include applications of artificial intelligence and the development of expert systems; authoring systems; using the computer…

This review of the research on the cognitive effects of computer-assisted instruction begins with an overview of the ACCCEL (Assessing Cognitive Consequences of Computer Environments for Learning) research program at the University of California at Berkeley, which consists of several interrelated studies examining the acquisition of such higher…

In this review of the research on how current computer learning environments can foster the acquisition of complex cognitive skills, two issues emerge: (1) what cognitive accomplishments are likely in the computer environment; and (2) what factors predispose students to benefit from the environment. (MBR)

Examines the literature on the effectiveness of computers in social studies instruction and learning. Topics include drill and practice, tutorials, study guides, games and simulations, inquiry and problem solving, graphics, and word processing and writing. Contains 58 references. (LRW)

Describes the use of a HyperCard-based computer-assisted instructional program at Otago Polytechnic (New Zealand) that replaces traditional lectures in analytical chemistry. Topics discussed include the instructor's role; computer-managed testing; writing the computer program; computer simulations; digitized video movies; and student reactions.…

Training firefighters is a difficult process in which emotions and nonverbal behaviors play an important role. The authors have developed a mixed reality environment for training a small group of firefighters, which takes into account these aspects. The assessment of the environment was made up of three phases: assessing the virtual agents to…

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…

Implications of using authentic activity as a model for appropriate learning activity are discussed, particularly in regard to the design of computer-based simulations and project-based learning activities. Mere provision of computer-based simulations and reality-centered projects does not ensure that a student will derive the benefits of…

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrate computer hardware, software, data, and the human mind to bring new perspectives to creative problem solving. The power of GIS is in adding a graphic, spatial dimension to problem solving. Still an emerging technology for most libraries, GIS can be expensive, entails a steep learning curve, and…

This study investigated the types of tactics and strategies students used in working with computer simulations and examined if the skills acquired when using the computer simulation could be applied in other settings. Sixth grade students (N=50) from three different schools participated in the study and were observed over a period of six weeks.…

This booklet summarizes the science chapter from the "Handbook of Research on Improving Student Achievement," a report sponsored by the Alliance for Curriculum Reform and also published by the Educational Research Service. The handbook is based on the idea that efforts to improve instruction must focus on the existing knowledge base on…