Technological tools have the potential to offer students the possibility to represent information and relationships embedded in problems and concepts in ways that involve numerical, algebraic, geometric, and visual approaches. In this paper, the authors present and discuss an example in which an initial representation of a mathematical object…

If we look into the past we will discover that the teachers of thermodynamics were always trying to interpret an important part of their science by using geometry. The relation between geometry and thermodynamics is of great interest and importance in teaching thermodynamics. This article examines the way undergraduate students of thermodynamics…

In this study, the author explored the extent to which students read the supplemental, in-chapter material contained in introductory accounting textbooks. A total of 668 students enrolled in 2002 spring and fall semesters at 3 universities in the southern United States participated in the study. The results showed that the participants considered…

Intelligent learning systems (ILSs) have evolved in the last few years basically because of influences received from multi-agent architectures (MAs). Conflict resolution among agents has been a very important problem for multi-agent systems, with specific features in the case of ILSs. The literature shows that ILSs with cognitive or pedagogical…

This article discusses a computer game design and animation pilot at Washington County Technical High School as part of the advanced computer applications completer program. The focus of the instructional program is to teach students the 16 components of computer game design through a team-centered, problem-solving instructional format. Among…

Outline Processor Markup Language (OPML) is an emerging format that allows for the creation of customized research packages to push to patrons. It is a way to gather collections of Web resources (links, RSS feeds, multimedia files), organize them as outlines, and publish them in a format that others can share and even subscribe to. In this…

A small class of functions is described that easily lend themselves to two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualizations at the basic calculus level. The intended audience is those educators involved in the instruction of elementary calculus. This note is an educational piece that begins with the question: "What happens if a function defined on…

Teaching and learning radically changed with advances in technology. Research shows that the computer can be an effective tool in both teaching and learning, and for that reason, school districts throughout the United States support schools by purchasing computers and software for individual classrooms. As a result, many school districts are using…

The loop-the-loop demonstration can be easily adapted to study the kinematics of projectile motion, when the moving body falls inside the apparatus. Video capturing software can be used to reveal peculiar geometrical effects of this simple but educational experiment.

E-learning describes electronically delivered learning, using tools like web conferencing, web-based tutorials, message boards, online assessments, and more. The term e-learning includes self-paced learning; asynchronous facilitator-led learning, where the students and instructors interact at different times; and synchronous facilitator-led…

This paper introduces a multimedia-based educational system on logistics developed at the University of Magdeburg (Germany), reports on development and implementation of the prototype, and discusses ideas for redesign. The system was tested, used, and evaluated at the university and within a European network of 24 universities, colleges, and…

These four issues comprise Volume 4 of the "Adult Literacy & Technology (AL&T) Newsletter." Issue 1 contains the following articles: "Preparing Our Children for Their Future, Not Our Past" (David Thornburg); "The Video Project" (Michael Hanish); "Images of the Future" (Terilyn Turner); "Hyperapplications: Implications for Reading and Writing" (Jay…

Critical thinking is highly valued but difficult to teach effectively. The Reason! project at the University of Melbourne (Australia) has developed the Reason!Able software as part of a general method aimed at enhancing critical thinking skills. Students using Reason!Able appear to make dramatic gains. This paper describes: (1) the challenge…

This guide summarizes current research and commentary on e-learning, examining the key issues facing organizations exploring e-learning for employee development. The guide contains six sections. The first section provides an introduction to the issue of e-learning and a summary of the issues discussed in the remainder of the guide. Section 2…

Reviews two CD-ROMS and one computer game: "Explore Yellowstone," science activities on CD to earn badges toward becoming a ranger; "Oval Office: Challenge of the Presidency," in which students role play presidential responsibilities such as proposing budgets; and "Strategy Games of the World," in which students match their skills against game…