Describes the practice of federal evaluation of research impact through three approaches: retrospective methods; qualitative methods, including peer review; and quantitative methods. Recommended areas for study in federal research impact assessment are suggested, including predictive reliability, comparative studies, time and cost estimates,…

Critiques articles by Robert Kozma (IR 529 138) and Richard Clark (EJ 294 173) on the influence of media on learning. The author argues that Clark and Kozma are raising different questions and suggests that researchers focus on the effectiveness of whole units of instruction rather than on individual components. (Contains 14 references.) (KRN)

A study of 6,644 applicants to 1 public university found, contrary to expectation, negative associations between certain types of student aid and first-time enrollment, and amount of aid and first-time enrollment. Inadequate amounts of aid to promote attendance is suggested as an explanation. Additional research at the institution level on how…

Presents an algorithm that automatically extracts words and phrases containing geographic place names or characteristics from a text document and uses them as input to database functions that use spatial reasoning to approximate statistically the geoposition referenced in the text. Preliminary results and future work are discussed. (28 references)…

Provides a theoretical overview of the concept of information science as a discipline and analyzes the problems in information science in Nigeria. Highlights include a lack of or inadequate research, curriculum, faculty, prospective students, and information and material resources, and a description of the Africa Regional Centre for Information…

Examines the writings of graduate students in a seminar to reveal a complex discursive scene. Provides a narratological analysis of student authorship. Raises questions about writing across the curriculum theory and suggests new possibilities for research and teaching. (HB)

Describes a study that investigated the interaction of learning-disabled students and their teachers with instructional elements of commercial courseware. The relationship of courseware design to student independence and motivation is discussed, implications for improving courseware design are noted, and ideas for further research are suggested.…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine which databases provide access to the CD-ROM journal literature that meets the information needs of librarians and information center managers. Search strategies are explained, journals are ranked by frequency of citation, databases are evaluated for their usefulness, and further investigations are…

Statistical methods for program evaluation with nonexperimental data are reviewed with emphasis on circumstances in which nonexperimental data are valid. Three solutions are proposed for problems of selection bias, and implications for evaluation design and data collection and analysis are discussed. (SLD)

Explores the collection and use of library and information science (LIS) monographs by academic librarians. The use of individual and focus group interviews to identify issues affecting the use and nonuse of LIS monographs is described, and the influence of promotion and tenure requirements on LIS publications is considered. (32 references) (LRW)

Examines the origins of small-group learning and distinguishes cooperative learning from other methods. Highlights include assessing the effects of cooperative learning, including cognitive effects; designing effective software for cooperative groups, including accountability, interdependence, interaction, ability grouping, age, collaborative…

Examines the combined self-interest model used in cooperative collection development discussions in light of social science models of a loosely coupled system. Topics addressed include a history of cooperative collection development; the Research Libraries Group (RLG) Conspectus; and the OCLC/AMIGOS Collection Analysis CD. (27 references) (LRW)

Suggests that research on teacher telecommunication networks such as LabNetwork must examine how a network contributes to the teaching practice and professional development of rural teachers and must be embedded in an understanding of the conditions of rural teaching. Discusses network potential to provide space for a professional "community…

Describes a study conducted at the Dutch Open University to determine students' actual use of embedded support devices (ESD). Topics addressed include a theoretical background; research hypotheses; the use of student interviews; quantitative and qualitative aspects of ESD use; student characteristics; study success (i.e., final examination…

Reviews the literature on the cost effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in libraries and describes a case study of the Interactive Media Center at the State University of New York at Albany that shows continuously increasing use. Useful applications of interactive multimedia are described, and suggestions for further research are…