Presents a group of semiotic principles for software design and uses them to show how they explain different educational possibilities. Discusses interface design and describes Theater in the Computer, a software environment for children, to illustrate semiotic-based principle of interface design. (Author/LRW)

Discusses reasons for and ways of using computer software to teach mechanics. Describes using software to explore mechanics, challenge misconceptions, make links between mathematical representations and motion, and solve non-standard problems. Stresses the need for structured approaches to the use of software. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/ASK)

Explains the controversy surrounding the Office Assistant ("Paper-Clip") in Microsoft's Office 97. Discusses why actual readers rejected the default Office Assistant's role as implied writer and rebelled against the reader role implied for them. Notes users resented its intrusive behavior, rejected its implied writer role, and refused to…

Presents research on gender and attitudes toward technology. Describes the history of computer technology, noting its influence on the language we use; the design of software; and computer usage in schools. Discusses how much gender bias pervades computer technology and makes it less friendly for girls. (Contains 14 references.) (ASK)

Suggests that the annual conference on computers and writing has remained on the cutting edge of technology and composition pedagogy. Notes changes--presenters discuss their uses of commercial applications rather than demonstrate homemade programs; instructors are more concerned with how users may manipulate others through technology; and the…

Considers the availability of pornography, particularly child pornography, on the Internet and child access to it. Defines pornographic material and child pornography, discusses its commercial and noncommercial uses and the responsibility for child access, and presents solutions: content tagging; CyberAngels, a volunteer group created by the…

Spreadsheets can help teachers manage a variety of routine tasks with ease. From creating class lists to taking surveys and graphing results, spreadsheet programs have limitless classroom potential. This article offers six ways to put spreadsheets to work, including class lists, all-about-me surveys, name tags, calendars, skill-building games, and…

Computer tracking data were used to determine the relationship between effectiveness and efficiency of 94 students using a database program for instructional tasks. Performance was enhanced by review of rules and presentation forms; additional practice opportunities also benefitted performance. (Copntains 19 references.) (JOW)

The best learning potential lies in adapting educational software to students' needs and learning styles. Few programs provide an adaptive learning environment. Educators should realize that information is not instruction, simplicity matters, graphics should enhance content, navigational designs should work intuitively, and interactions should…

Reveals how Ohio's Central State University avoided state closure with a bold mission to rebuild both the academic programs and the facilities. What the new century holds for maintenance, software, card systems, contract services, and security and online purchasing are discussed. (GR)

Points out the lack of microscopic images of wine-related microbes. Uses a digital camera during a wine microbiology laboratory to capture student-generated microscope images. Discusses the advantages of using a digital camera in a teaching lab. (YDS)

A joint project involved students in the United States and Europe in cooperative design of computer software. The Internet-based project encountered some difficulties in scheduling, time difference, and lack of agreement on a programming language; however, the international cooperation was valued by participants. (SK)

Discussion of learning a new computer software program focuses on how to support the joint handling of a manual, input devices, and screen display. Describes a study that examined three design styles for manuals that included screen images to reduce split-attention problems and discusses theory versus practice and cognitive load theory.…

Describes HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and its use on the Internet's World Wide Web, including main HTML tags and their syntaxes. Alternatives to HTML, such as Adobe's Acrobat software and Sun's new Java application language, are briefly described. (Author/LRW)

Considers the psychology of multimedia. Topics include software development, including decisions about sound and image quality; theories of multiple intelligences; the psychology of learning; a model that includes semantics, semiotics, and synthetics; and the impact of media psychology on the use of multimedia for learning. (LRW)