This paper reports on a study on the perceived effectiveness of educational resources within the context of a single course in a first-year biology program at the University of Sydney (Australia). The overall study examined the dynamic state of perceptions towards these resources by the major stakeholders involved with the course (students,…

This article discusses telecommunications infrastructure and instructional innovation at Townview, a college preparatory school in Dallas, Texas. Topics include connectivity, Internet access, the multimedia center, videoconferencing and student-directed curricula, resource sharing, cooperative learning activities, advanced science learning and…

Discusses three programs where mirocomputers were added to the classroom to introduce technology and aid in instruction. Presents a high school chemistry class with a modem hookup to Purdue University, an elementary facility to track students by mastery, and a project where fourth graders each received a computer for home. (MVL)

Discusses why Japan has participated in the international cooperative studies sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Asserts that Japanese educators want to compare not only content acquisition but also measures of cognitive learning. (CFR)

Explains how a computer uses its vision to determine the area, edge length, width, height, and center of mass in two dimensions from photos of backlit sea shells. Includes HyperCard codes used to instruct the computer to make the calculations. (MDH)

Today, teachers face more challenges than ever, and biology teachers face a special challenge. As technology continues to expand, biology teachers have a responsibility to keep students informed of technological and scientific advances. Biology teachers must also address ethical issues associated with these advances. In this paper, the authors…

Just-in-Time Teaching (ITT) is a teaching and learning approach that combines the best features of traditional in-class instruction with the communication and resource potential available via the Web. We describe here how ITT can be used to teach biology to undergraduate and graduate level students, both science majors as well as non science…

This book documents the profound impact of computing on the education system as seen through the eyes of teachers. The authors studied exemplary teachers and how they used computers in their schools and recorded the teachers' insights, strategies, and feelings about the using computers in the classroom. The topic is presented in 14 chapters that…

A study examined a new collaborative consultation process to enhance the classroom implementation of whole language science units that make use of computers and multimedia resources. The overall program was divided into three projects, two at the fifth-grade level and one at the third grade level. Each project was staffed by a team of one…

This ERIC Digest presents a brief description of some applications and findings of the microcomputer in science classrooms. It is suggested that microcomputer simulations are at least as effective as hands-on experiences for some cognitive outcomes and may in fact enhance these outcomes when the simulations are sequenced to follow hands-on…

This paper presents the results of a study of the cognitive strategies in which ninth-grade science students engaged as they used a learner-centered dynamic modeling tool (called Model-It) to make original models based upon stream ecosystem scenarios. The research questions were: (1) In what Cognitive Strategies for Modeling (analyzing, reasoning,…

Investigates the construction of understanding of the motion of an object down an inclined plane which takes place through the process of model building in an integrated algebra, trigonometry, and physics class. Discusses four major themes related to student learning through modeling that emerged from the results. Discusses implications for…

Documents and evaluates effects of inservice teacher education on rural-school teachers' behaviors and beliefs about microcomputers in science teaching. Describes the ENLIST Micros training program and the beliefs, behavior, and evaluation instruments utilized. Results indicated significant changes in teachers' beliefs toward and use of…

Examines the role of technology in (1) the move toward national science standards; (2) science curriculum changes; (3) hands-on science; (4) the potential of networking teachers; and (5) science assessment. Lists products for a new science literacy and support, services, and resources for science teachers. (MDH)

Describes the three phases of ENLIST Macros, a teacher development program to help science teacher improve their use of microcomputers. Discusses the results of a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Presents eight recommendations to help achieve program objectives. (MDH)