Outlines a series of recent studies that compare the impact of reading persuasive texts in traditional linear form to reading the same text in a computerized form, noting the implications of the computer medium for teachers. The paper concludes that persuasive texts do not seem to be more influential or guarantee better learning results in either…

Attempts to validate the use of microcomputer-based laboratories for the teaching of physics on both theoretical and empirical grounds. Includes a laboratory that addresses the voltage-current characteristics of several components. (Author/MM)

Explores the efforts of a curriculum development team who set out to create a virtual frog for use in biology education, but instead, after several design studies, developed a virtual world called Frog Island. Argues for incorporating educational design studies into other educational development projects. (CMK)

Suggests that using educational technology does not mean ignoring what is already known about education and learning, noting that: lessons today's digital children can learn from analog adults are commonsensical; children need real-world experiences; technology can promote style over substance; lecture can be an effective teaching method; linear…

Explores what the typical college or university campus might look like in the early decades of the twenty-first century. Describes what might plausibly occur within the lifetimes of most readers, with emphasis on those changes most likely to be rendered feasible--and driven--by information technology advances. (EV)

Investigates how students develop an understanding of chemical representations with the aid of a computer-based visualizing too called eChem that allows them to build molecular models and view multiple representations simultaneously. Involves 11th grade students (n=71) at a small public high school and examines the changes in students'…

Discusses using verbal interactions to foster social studies learning, the language and content needs of immigrant students, and strategies that are effective with non-native English learners. Introduces two technology-enhanced, verbal-interactive activities, using personal narratives and storytelling in social studies, for both middle and high…

This article describes the benefits of integrating technology into the curriculum including giving gifted students an opportunity to work at their own pace and ability level and to research independently. Internet usage is discussed, as well as using technology to reach out to gifted girls and gifted at-risk students. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article reviews the books, "Virtual Architecture: Designing and Directing Curriculum-Based Telecomputing" and "Design Tools for the Internet-Supported Classroom," both by Judy Harris. The books outline the activity structures and provide information to enable teachers to integrate telecomputing activities in the classroom. Chapter content is…

It is a relief to read an analysis of the Internet that is not yet another contribution to the hyped-instrumentalist discourse typified by a "gee-whiz" ethos touting efficiency gains and the lasting technical transformation of education. Hubert Dreyfus' (2001) "On the Internet" is at one and the same time, philosophical, post-Nietzschean and also…

This paper describes the global feedback in ActiveMath, a Web-based adaptive learning environment for mathematics and beyond. It addresses some of the cognitive foundations and the architecture of the suggestion mechanism with its components. This architecture separates components for diagnosis from components for suggestions and different types…

A learning resource catalogue (currently LRC3) that comprises records of learning objects has been used by members of the Universitas 21 Consortium for three years. Five conceptually useful classes of learning objects are employed. While almost all faculty who were introduced to the LRC appreciate its value, need, and ease of use, few are willing…

Helping students become information seekers, synthesizers, analyzers, evaluators, innovative thinkers, problem solvers, decision makers, producers of knowledge, communicators, and collaborators is one way to create an environment that minimizes cheating, plagiarism, and copyright violations. In such an environment, you may also be able to take…

Virtual field trips offer a new way for teachers and students to visit historical sites and museums. Most notably, virtual field trips provide access to places that normally would be impossible for classrooms to visit, and this, in turn, provides a plethora of learning possibilities for the classroom. Why should teachers consider creating a…

There has long been a power struggle between techies and teachers over classroom computer desktops. IT personnel tend to believe allowing "inept" educators to have unfettered access to their computer's hard drive is an open invitation for trouble. Conversely, teachers often perceive tech support to be "uncaring" adversaries standing in the way of…