Surveys ongoing research, development, and application of optical data disk technology; introduces principal suppliers and users and their projects; examines public and private sector ventures and peripheral industries surrounding optical disk technology; presents a case study highlighting OCLC's optical disk use; and lists current sources of…

This paper responds to calls for further research on learning effectiveness of instructional technologies by comparing 'learning' and 'attitudes' across three instructional environments (multimedia, textbook and in-class instruction), and proposing a quasi-experimental research design approach. The paper reports the results of pilot studies…

Recognizing that substance abuse is one of the nation's most serious health problems and is associated with numerous social ills, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched Free to Grow in 1994, a pilot program targeting families and communities of Head Start children to create changes that would protect them from substance abuse and related…

The Seashore Teacher Professional Certification Program developed by Seattle University, Washington, in collaboration with three school districts, is being implemented in several phases. Phase 1 consisted of mentor support for new teachers, and Phase 2 established a site-based support program. Phase 3 consisted of graduate program coursework for…

This exploratory study examined the perceptions of learning held by 259 children in a primary school in Singapore. Their perceptions were compared with those of a sample of 26 teachers and parents. Based on data collected using a rating scale and a metaphor task, various perceptions of learning were identified. Findings indicated that over 70…

Few research studies have examined the use of student ratings of instructors from the standpoint of their ability to be interpreted and their subsequent usefulness. This study examined the effects of a training session conducted by experts in the field of student ratings of instruction. The first question was to determine the knowledge, skills,…

A study was proposed to determine to what extent a hierarchical structure exists in music and in tests used to measure music ability. The first research question was whether items in the Watkins-Farnum Performance Scale (J. Watkins and S. Farnum, 1954) (WFPS) form a hierarchy, so that early exercises (bars played) are generally easier than later…

The long-term goal of Project SAVE (Stop Alcohol Violations Early) is to reduce underage drinking. When a major revision of the program was initiated, the pilot program was evaluated for statistically measurable changes against short-term goals. The results of that evaluation are presented here. Four elements were included in the evaluation…

An initiative was undertaken to introduce technology-enabled and distance learning to the Defense Information School (DINFOS), Ft. Meade, Maryland. The effort to introduce instructional technology reflected the need to find a creative solution to Armed Forces requests for increased student quotas, reduced pool of military instructors, and an…

This paper describes a pilot study emphasizing responsive research and incorporating the views of participants into recommendations for future research using classroom videotaping. The study was based on the sociocultural theory of Vygotsky (1978), which emphasizes the importance of an integrated perspective of child language and thought.…

AIM (Assessment, Instruction, Mastery), a performance-based assessment developed in Oregon, was piloted in 25 volunteer-based programs in Pennsylvania. During the program year ending in June 1999, 190 tutors and program staff from 20 agencies attended training workshops on using the AIM system; 13 programs receiving training reported 136 tutors…

The Children's Literature Research Unit at the University of South Africa, Pretoria, implemented a research project examining what young people were reading at the end of the 20th century, similar to a research project which had been carried out at Roehampton Institute in London (1996). The research began with a pilot project. Its goals were to:…

This paper describes an educational intervention program for academically failing students which focuses on visual perceptual skills and learning strategies. It considers visual perceptual problems as the undetected cause of much academic failure. Basic visual skills necessary for academic success are identified including visual acuity, binocular…

The Positive Parenting Project, developed by Scotland's Save the Children, has worked with children and families for 3 years to identify and develop structures to meet their needs for parenting support. The project, which works in collaboration with local organizations, consults widely with parents, young people, agencies, and organizations in…

This case study identifies key barriers for staff on the path to an e-University and suggests ways to unlock them. The focus of the evidence-based research is an e-University pilot development in virtual learning in progress at the University of Greenwich (England). Documentary evidence for the study included feedback from 12 sub-projects in the…