Reports on the first stage of a British phonetic training project in foreign language learning that used a repurposed videodisc developed by using the editing capabilities of an authoring tool. Topics discussed include student motivation; content issues; teaching strategies; questioning/feedback techniques; text and graphic screens; and manuals…

Reports on study of use of fractal geometry in a computer graphics program to improve the perception of intermediate grade level students in their paintings. Finds that students are more likely to use changing shapes and colors after viewing slides of fractal computer graphics. Concludes that fractal computer graphics would make highly engaging…

Provides four lesson plans using discipline-based art education techniques to examine the content and technique of a series of art works portraying Texas. The lesson plans use "mind mapping" (nonlinear visualization of a concept or idea easily linked to others). Includes background information on artists Bruno Andrade, Dennis Blagg,…

Conducts a scenario-based usability test with 10 data analysts using visual querying (visually analyzing data with interactive graphics). Details a range of difficulties found in visual selection that, at times, gave rise to inaccurate selections, invalid conclusions, and misguided decisions. Argues that support for visual selection must be built…

Describes an assignment where students are given the task of using a computer-authoring system to develop a multimedia lesson on DNA and RNA molecules. (PR)

This study explores the instructional impact of using computer multimedia to integrate metaphorical verbal information into graphical representations of biotechnology concepts. The combination of text and graphics into a single metaphor makes concepts dual-coded, and therefore more comprehensible and memorable for the student. Visual stimuli help…

The purpose of this project was to investigate, in an informal and exploratory manner, the reactions of middle school students to unfamiliar symbols used as computer screen icons. The project focused on discovering a means to address the following issues: (1) the appearance of buttons containing text compared to those with graphics; (2) the…

This learning module for an eighth-grade introductory technology course is designed to help teachers introduce students to computer-assisted design (CAD) in a communications unit on graphics. The module contains a module objective and five specific objectives, a content outline, suggested instructor methodology, student activities, a list of six…

This curriculum guide is one of nine such guides developed for an Alberta high school business education program. Its content covers the main subject area or strand of computer processing. Subject to the constraints outlined in the guide, the modules are to be formatted into three- or four-credit courses within each strand. Introductory materials…

A brief review of the history of computer-assisted instruction and discussion of the current and potential roles of microcomputers in education introduce this review of the capabilities of state-of-the-art microcomputers and currently available software for them, and some speculations about future trends and developments. A survey of current…

Computers have effected a comprehensive transformation of chemistry. Computers have greatly enhanced the chemist's ability to do model building, simulations, data refinement and reduction, analysis of data in terms of models, on-line data logging, automated control of experiments, quantum chemistry and statistical and mechanical calculations, and…

QUE2 is a recently devised, natural language, questioning-answering program written in LISP1-5. It deals in simple, kernel sentences and employs the theory that the semantic content of a sentence is the set of relationships between conceptual objects (represented by the words in it), which the sentence and its structure imply. The data base of the…

Discusses some of the possibilities for using Apple II computers to teach young children basic skills and enhance their computer literacy. Reviews 14 pieces of software from seven different publishers. Provides the name and address of the publisher, along with a description of each program and its capabilities. (TW)

Reviews research and development projects sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that address microcomputer-based support for instructional activities at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Highlights include a graphics project, local area networks, and the Interactive Presentation Development System, which is…

Provides a list of evaluation services currently producing critical reviews of educational software. Includes information about The Apple K-12 Curriculum Software Reference, The Educational Software Preview, The Educational Software Selector, MicroSIFT, and Only The Best: The Discriminating Guide for Preschool-Grade 12. (TW)