The fields of mathematics, science, and engineering are replete with diagrams of many varieties. They range in nature from the Venn diagrams of symbolic logic to the Periodic Chart of the Elements; and from the fault trees of risk assessment to the flow charts used to describe laboratory procedures, industrial processes, and computer programs. All…

Generally, when recursion is introduced to students the concept is illustrated with a toy (Towers of Hanoi) and some abstract mathematical functions (factorial, power, Fibonacci). These illustrate recursion in the same sense that counting to 10 can be used to illustrate a for loop. These are all good illustrations, but do not represent serious…

This article discusses the role of a multimedia learning environment in teaching foreign languages to engineering students. Arguing for a subject-specific and skills-oriented approach in teaching Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) in the university, it outlines possible targets and skills for a language course for engineers. The paper goes on…

This paper presents Bigger Bits, an interactive multimedia learning environment that teaches students about VLSI within the context of computer electronics. The system was built with COSMOS (Content Oriented semantic Modelling Overlay Scheme), which is a modelling scheme that we developed for enabling the semantic content of multimedia to be used…

Multimedia presents a number of challenges and opportunities which must be addressed if it is to be used effectively in an educational context. Engineering education can greatly benefit, if these challenges and opportunities are met. This paper describes a framework for the development of multimedia applications. It then uses this framework to…

In this paper, a Web-based learning environment developed within the project called Virtual Learning Spaces (EVA, in Spanish) is described. The environment is composed of knowledge, collaboration, consulting and experimentation spaces as a collection of agents and conventional software components working over the knowledge domains. All user…

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of two versions of Computer-Based Feedback within a prevocational system of modularized education in The Netherlands. The implementation and integration of Computer-Based Feedback (CBF) in Installation Technology modules in all schools (n = 60) in The Netherlands is new. The main idea is that…

Describes a study conducted on the attitudes of students towards the integration of the Web as a channel of communication and a study tool in traditional distance teaching of Computer Science (CS) at the Open University of Israel. Results of questionnaires show the Web cannot substitute entirely for face-to-face learning. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that examined the role of the computer with multimedia software in assessing the perception of the basic time concepts by children. Results indicated superiority in children's judgments when multimedia software was used and a positive correlation between age and comprehension. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the need for standardization for learning technologies in computer-based training systems. Highlights include institutions and organizations involved in standardization; a survey of educational metadata; how these data models are applied by actual software systems to facilitate the location of learning resources; and educational…

Evaluates student use of an online study environment to determine if college students will voluntarily use online study tools; to identify characteristics of users and nonusers of the tools; and to see if the use of online study tools relates to course achievement. Compares use of different types of online study tools. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that examined the experiences of 175 teachers as they learned technology for educational purposes within the framework of transformational learning. Highlights include technology integration; educational technology professional development; adult education; teacher self-confidence; and classroom practice. (LRW)

Reports results of a controlled experiment to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a learning process that takes place in a dynamic computer-based simulation, done with and without recording and accessing the history of the learning process. Discusses findings with respect to the self-learning process and using simulators in electronic…

Describes adaptive educational hypermedia systems which aim to increase the functionality of hypermedia by making it personalized to individual learners and considering individual learning styles. Presents a prototype hypermedia system and reports results of a pilot study that investigated the system's educational effectiveness. (Author/LRW)

Presents a study conducted at the Hellenic Open University that focused on higher education offered by methods of distance learning, including the use of computers and other technology, and investigated causes of student dropouts and dropout rates. Highlights include student characteristics, including age and gender; and correlations between…