For beginning programmers, inadequate problem solving and planning skills are among the most salient of their weaknesses. In this paper, we test the efficacy of natural language tutoring to teach and scaffold acquisition of these skills. We describe ProPL (Pro-PELL), a dialogue-based intelligent tutoring system that elicits goal decompositions and…

Although substantial literature exists regarding learning with visuals, most consider text the primary channel with varying amounts of visuals explored as a secondary channel. This study considered the effectiveness of visuals-only procedural guides versus visuals plus added text, using visuals as the primary channel and using visuals developed…

Computer-based instructional applications are considered an effective alternative to traditional teaching methods and today in numerous educational and training settings, interactive computer programs are used to teach young students and adults computer literacy skills. The purpose of this study is to compare the attitudes and motivations of…

These guidelines address the need for valid and reliable measures to aid in making decisions on teaching of braille and/or print to students with moderate to severe vision losses. After an introductory section, section 1 presents basic principles organized into the following categories: (1) learning media, (2) students who use the learning media,…

This study examined the factors that contribute to learners' perceptions of the ease or difficulty of learning a specific task using a specific medium were studied, specifically whether the preconceptions of preservice teachers vary by learning domain (verbal, intellectual, affective, and psychomotor) or medium of presentation (interactive video,…

Differences in traditional student performance measures were examined following a computer assisted instruction (CAI) or a hypertext approach for mastering concepts related to intellectual property (i.e., copyright and patent) law. Seventy-six undergraduate business majors at a midwestern state university received CAI or hypertext instruction.…

Computer-based and audio tape materials were compared for their effectiveness in helping students practice Chinese language lessons. Subjects were enrolled in an intensive elementary course in Mandarin Chinese. The textbook and audio tape were prepared by the Beijing Language Institute in China, and the computer-based material was developed by the…

The purpose of this report is to communicate findings on current knowledge of simulation design, development, and evaluation. Research on this project was guided by questions posed by the Defense Systems Management College in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. These questions fall into three categories: the constituents of good instructional simulations, the…

This paper describes the research strategies employed in the Dutch Technology Enriched Schools (TES) project, which was initiated in 1987 to introduce computers into secondary education, to encourage extensive and intensive use of computers in a small number of secondary schools, and to study the effects of computer use on the classroom, the…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of both ability grouping and cooperative training on microcomputer learning at the upper elementary level using both drill and practice and tutorial software programs. A total of 263 grade 5 and 6 students participated in the study. Half of the group was trained on cooperative interpersonal…

Current issues in educational communications and technology are addressed in this collection of 31 papers, in which research reports predominate. Topics discussed include factors related to the learner, e.g., aptitude, recall, computer anxiety, field dependence/independence, reading ability, learning strategies, and cognitive style. Presentation…

A study examined the use of Telidon, the Canadian videotex system, as a delivery vehicle for computer-based distance education in an introductory high school mechanics course. Specifically analyzed were (1) the relative educational effectiveness of Telidon, traditional correspondence, and traditional, in-school modes of instruction; (2) the…

The development and evaluation of several microcomputer-based strategies designed to facilitate learning how to solve mathematics word problems by personalizing examples in accord with individuals' background and interests are described in this paper. The first of two studies conducted with fifth and sixth grade students to evaluate these…

A 12-week study of two groups of 14 college freshmen music majors was conducted to determine which group demonstrated greater achievement in learning auditory discrimination using computer-assisted instruction (CAI). The method employed was a pre-/post-test experimental design using subjects randomly assigned to a control group or an experimental…

After receiving training in searching INSPEC or ERIC on DIALOG using either the SciMate menu or native commands, 40 doctoral students performed free searches on research topics of their choice. In comparison with 20 control subjects (doctoral students for whom a free search was performed by a skilled librarian), the experimental subjects were…