Secondary social studies teachers were surveyed concerning the degree to which they integrated microcomputers into instruction, the extent of integration, and incentives or barriers. One-third indicated they used microcomputers in class, but frequency of use was low. Nonusers reported lack of experience and training as primary reasons for nonuse.…

Describes results of a study of how eight social studies teachers use computer databases in social studies instruction. Examines how students employ the databases in problem solving, what they learn, and what factors held and hinder the process. Discusses the effects of time constraints, prior student knowledge, cooperative learning, and…

Examines which skills students develop through social studies and how technology can help elementary students strengthen them. Important skills include understanding and using locational and directional terms and developing research, thinking, decision-making, interpersonal, and reading skills. Technology skill-builders include telecommunications…

Suggested computer programs for teaching about the 1992 election include a package of four social studies programs with an election year theme, a simulation in which students act as the incumbent president and solve various problems, and an interactive program with news clips, stills, and data from the 1988 elections. (SM)

Examines how technology can support elementary school writer's workshops, noting the nature of the writer's workshop and exploring how word processing and desktop publishing programs can help nurture developing writers. The article presents several ways teachers can use computers in writer's workshops (drafting and revising, writing mechanics,…

Contends that, by teaching economics as a laboratory science, using computers, students can be helped to think like economists. Describes computer laboratory exercises and a new economics curriculum being implemented at Denison University (Ohio). (DB)

Relates how C. A. Boneau's research identified the Top 100 terms and concepts of psychology. Describes a computer-assisted exercise for introductory college-level classes to teach these terms through computer tutoring. Discusses the development of the program, its implementation, and its evaluation. (CFR)

Discusses how new computer-based approaches, electronic course delivery (ECD) and a virtual-university paradigm, to teaching and learning might be applied to the problems of supporting lifelong learning within the context of postcompulsory education. Describes a case study that involved applying ECD techniques within a conventional university…

Shows how educators concerned about issues related to technology and education could examine their concern and reach a responsible, informed judgment about its validity and seriousness. The method used to examine concerns combines the conceptual-analysis characteristic of analytic philosophy with the review and interpretation of social science…

Reviews research on the instructional benefits of computer technology. Discusses the computer readiness of students, faculty, and institutions, and suggests that despite mixed findings, political and organizational realities indicate computer-based instruction is a feasible alternative for community colleges. Therefore, educators should continue…

Argues that there are no generalizations about what features of technology or software type makes computer-assisted learning (CAL) successful. "Niche based success" comes from a close fit between a piece of courseware and its situation of use that is specific to that niche. Discusses teacher analysis of weak existing situations and how…

Looks at some key elements of teachers' knowledge and skill bases and considers how these might be supported in Web-based instruction. Describes the "micro-genres" that constitute the instructional events of the online class. Introduces a software package to demonstrate how these interactions may be facilitated in practice. (Author/AEF)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using laptop computers rather than desktop computers in science classroom and laboratory instruction. Finds that while laptops provide greater flexibility, they come at a greater expense. Lists the uses of laptops in a departmental curriculum. (Author/WRM)

Describes methods for developing and delivering library instruction in an electronic format. Discusses using a customized Web site as a backup for live instruction; creating a computer-generated slide presentation to accompany a live lecture or to be placed on the Web; writing a self-paced Web tutorial; and developing a complete online library…

Investigates the effects of both computer animations of microscopic chemical processes occurring in a galvanic cell and conceptual-change instruction based on chemical demonstrations on students' conceptions of current flow in electrolyte solutions. Finds that conceptual change instruction was effective at dispelling student misconceptions but…