Virtual reality (VR) has demonstrated effectiveness as an instructional technology in many technical fields. However, VR research has generally lacked a sound theory base to provide explanatory or predictive strength. Further, research into the effectiveness of "new desktop technologies" that place VR within the reach of schools and teachers is…

As the use of 3D immersive virtual worlds in higher education expands, it is important to examine which pedagogical approaches are most likely to bring about success. AET Zone, a 3D immersive virtual world in use for more than seven years, is one embodiment of pedagogical innovation that capitalizes on what virtual worlds have to offer to social…

This exploratory study uses quantitative and qualitative data to explore (1) whether educational blogging is associated with gains in student comprehension, (2) the relationship between writing medium (online or hard copy) and student time on task, and (3) student perceptions of blogging in the classroom. College students (n=52) completed a series…

An investigation of Web-based versus in-class learning environments indicated that student's environmental knowledge, beliefs, opinions, and self-perceptions were equivalent prior to participating in an introductory environmental science course. However, by the end of the 16-week course, students from the in-class group had significantly improved…

It was the perfect Halloween project. Each class would construct a three-dimensional "monster" out of common classroom materials (construction paper, cardboard boxes, tape, markers, glue, string, etc.), then write down instructions for building the monster and send them off to another class in the district, or in some other district, or even some…

The use of narrative within interactive learning environments (ILEs) is widespread. Reviewing recent research in the fields of ethnography, cognitive psychology, neurobiology, discourse analysis, and education, this paper proposes a rationale for the use of narrative in ILEs. Starting with a description of the origin of narrative in the brain, the…

The new program of study for KS3 and the proposed changes in Y11 assessment for 2012 are now demanding teachers to focus again on the processes of learning. Teachers are being told they must "allow students to select the mathematics to use", "allow students to explore connected problems" and encourage them to work with real…

Computing devices and applications are now used beyond the desktop, in diverse environments, and this trend toward ubiquitous computing is evolving. In this study, we re-visit the interactivity concept and its applications for interactive function design in a ubiquitous-learning system (ULS). Further, we compare interactivity dimensions and…

For distance-education students, the requirement for a laboratory course can present a significant hurdle to completing degree requirements. To better serve these nontraditional students, the authors developed a distance version of the laboratory course to provide a hands-on experience similar to that of on-campus students. In order to make the…

This paper demonstrates some characteristics that all parametric statistics have in common, using the general linear model as a framework and emphasizing that canonical correlation analysis is the general linear model. Four characteristics of the general linear model are delineated and explained using a program for the Statistical Package for the…

A self instructional strategy used bar code technology to teach Braille symbol recognition to three legally blind elementary school students. (DB)

Describes a suite of computer-based learning (CBL) programs called Mind Tools that help to record, structure, and analyze information and manage learning. (Author/CCM)

Shows how teachers can often use unexpected outputs from Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) to reinforce concepts and to show students the importance of thinking about how they use the software and reflecting on their results. Presents different examples where DERIVE, MAPLE, or Mathematica does not work as expected and suggests how to use them as a…

In 1983, Clark declared that instructional methods determine how effective a piece of instruction is and that media?s only influence is on cost and distribution. His argument (Clark, 1983) was that "media are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes…

Research into Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in schools is well into its third decade but there is still a pressing need to better understand how computer-based technologies are influencing learning opportunities, and how the local conditions of schooling impact on teachers' attempts to integrate these technologies in their…