The instruction offered to 68 potentially gifted preschool and primary grade students participating in a summer institute was complemented by a learning component for their parents. A common and differentiated curriculum was developed for Anglo and Hispanic parents based on their expressed expectations regarding child development. (Author/JDD)

This paper examines conceptualizations of risk, methods for identifying and tracking infants and children at risk, models developed for identifying and tracking these children, the concepts of vulnerability and resiliency as they relate to risk, and implications of the ways in which risk is defined and tracking programs are developed. (Author/JDD)

The Rostock Longitudinal Study, which has followed 247 at-risk children from birth to age 14, seeks to identify factors contributing to interindividual developmental differences. Results reported underscore the limited prognostic value of single risk factors, the diminishing impact of organic perinatal risk factors over time, and the increasing…

The development of 58 preterm low-risk infants was compared over their first 7 years with 100 full-term infants. The study found "catch up" phenomena at certain ages and periods of reversal. Results also indicated that advantaged family circumstances may reduce or compensate for preterm birth whereas a disadvantaged environment may amplify adverse…

Children (n=185) identified as at risk because of poverty were assessed on overall adjustment and academic progress during grades 1-3. Results suggested that excellent decisions were made in terms of who received special educational assistance. There did not appear to be any bias in the referral process. (Author/JDD)

This paper argues that efficacy of early intervention must be assessed in relation to both program and extra-program variables. A framework outlining five classes of independent variables and two classes of outcomes to be considered in efficacy research is presented, and regression and path analytic techniques are suggested as tools for addressing…

This study surveyed 240 students in a New Zealand secondary school on socioeconomic (SES) background, gender, time spent using computers, applications, educational goals, keyboard competency, and attitudes toward computers. No differences were found in computer access across ability, gender, and SES divisions; however, females continue to use…

Reports on an exploratory study which used tracking records and evaluation questionnaires to examine the ways students use a hypermedia system. Findings in the following areas are discussed: enjoyment, ease of use, perception of system control, actual search strategies, perceived purposive search strategies, and effectiveness of search strategies.…

Pretests measuring critical thinking ability and mental alertness were administered to 72 first-year college students at the beginning of an introductory computer programing course. Posttests administered at the end of the semester showed significant improvement in both areas, indicating that instruction in programing improves students' critical…

Pretests measuring problem-solving ability were administered to 71 students in a high school mathematics class. One group was given computer-augmented instruction; the other group was given instruction augmented by mathematics laboratory activities. Posttest results for problem-solving ability were mixed, but the group receiving computer-augmented…

A learning style inventory was administered to 68 undergraduates enrolled in a course on computer applications in education. Correlation of these data with grades on class projects and exams indicated that students with high abstract sequential ability had higher performance scores, and learners with a dominance in abstract random style had lower…

Introduces a method for gathering process information related to computer simulations and examines changes in learners' responses as a means of understanding the kind of learning that occurs within the simulations. Data gathered from 87 undergraduate education majors using simulations that teach the application of behavior analysis procedures for…

A meta-analysis was performed to synthesize existing research on the effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on cognitive outcomes. Analysis of 31 studies indicated that CAI had moderately positive effects on student cognitive outcomes and that the outcomes of using CAI extend beyond the content of the specific software or subject area. (42…

Data gathered from 83 prospective business educators on computer anxiety, attitudes toward computers in education, attitudes toward computers as a teaching tool, and computer liking were correlated with data on subjects' computer systems and applications literacy. A relationship between computer attitude and computer system literacy was found, and…

Provides several examples of ways that microcomputers can be used to enhance school teacher evaluation. Uses of computers by teachers to develop customized records and data presentation and use of computers in research on student evaluation are also considered. A sample computer program for statistical testing of student achievement data is…