The Learning Equation (TLE) is a software product that provides mathematics programming to students. It was introduced to grade 9 students in Alberta in 1997-1998, and in 1998-1999, its use was extended to grades 7, 8, and 10. TLE is designed to follow the Alberta mathematics curriculum closely. It can be implemented in several ways, and in some…

Over the past decade, there have been many changes in the tools used to design, the ways information can be represented and the underpinning theories which drive educational experiences. This paper focuses on several examples of software design that have been pedagogically successful and have demonstrated what is possible in software design and…

A project developed a resource to inform and support the information and communications technology (ICT) training process. Its target audience were directors of small and medium-sized enterprises and those responsible for developing ICT use within a company or for managing staff training. The project gathered information from previous experience,…

This Spanish-language digest reviews research on the demographics and effects of video game playing, discusses game rating systems, and offers recommendations for parents. The digest begins by discussing research on the time children spend playing electronic games, which shows that younger children's game playing at home (90% of fourth-graders…

Reviews three studies exploring the effectiveness of computers and parent volunteers for remedial language skills training in young children with Down's syndrome and severe language, learning, and behavioral disabilities. The results suggest that computer-based intervention is useful. Discusses educational considerations for planning and includes…

Describes the use of Mathcad, an interactive software package that responds to mathematical input, in an undergraduate economics class. Mathcad uses a rules-based programming language that "reads" the relationships among variables and constraints defined by the user, solves for unknowns, and graphs for one or more equations. (MJP)

Evaluates software developed for advanced learners of a second language. The software uses the target language (German) exclusively, brings together language and literature teaching, and includes a large variety of written exercises with scored feedback. Findings reveal that students are enthusiastic about using this multimedia program and…

Outlines steps for selecting software for use in English-as-a-Second-Language insurrection. Steps include the following: 1) determine the goals and needs of the program, faculty, and learners; 2) narrow down the search among different options; 3) take time to evaluate the software. Provides two examples of how the process can work in different…

Contends that early childhood educators need to understand how exposure to computers and constructive computer programs affects the development of children. Specifically examines: (1) research on children's technology experiences; (2) determining best practices; and (3) addressing educators' concerns about computers replacing other developmentally…

Describes the development, design, and implementation of study units for computer-assisted distance learning at the Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong that provides higher education opportunities to working adults. Discusses evaluation of the system, including questionnaire and interview results. (LRW)

"SeeWord" is a highly configurable word processing environment, which assists dyslexic users in producing and reading text. Three prototypes of the software were developed and evaluated. The third was used in an experimental study with six dyslexic school pupils. Research showed five out of the six, aged 14-16, years benefited from use of…

Reports on the satisfaction of college news writing students with a computer program which combines reporting simulation with a writing analysis of the students' news stories. Finds that students rated the computer program significantly ahead of the paper version of the exercise. Suggests providing more detailed feedback in the computer program.…

A small school system can plan and install an effective computer system by developing a comprehensive plan; involving the personnel who will use the system; relying on vendors with proven records; and recognizing that training is an ongoing process. (MLF)

Discusses ways to select and evaluate CD-ROM programs. Various evaluation and review sources are described, results of recent evaluations are related, curriculum ideas for using interactive electronic books in elementary school classes are suggested, sources for CD-ROM classroom activities are provided, and an example of a network CD-ROM exercise…

Based on the presumed criteria by which Australian secondary school teachers would select computer software for their students' use, an adventure game concerning Australian gold rushes was developed. It and other games were tested by students in and outside the classroom. Criteria for selecting appropriate software for student use were identified.…