To address students' poor literacy outcomes, an intervention using a computer-based literacy tool, ABRACADABRA, was implemented in 6 Northern Australia primary schools. A pretest, posttest parallel group, single blind multisite randomized controlled trial was conducted with 308 students between the ages of 4 and 8 years old (M age =…

This research study employs a second-order meta-analysis procedure to summarize 40 years of research activity addressing the question, does computer technology use affect student achievement in formal face-to-face classrooms as compared to classrooms that do not use technology? A study-level meta-analytic validation was also conducted for purposes…

This meta-analysis of the experimental literature of distance education (DE) compares different types of interaction treatments (ITs) with other DE instructional treatments. ITs are the instructional and/or media conditions designed into DE courses, which are intended to facilitate student-student (SS), student-teacher (ST), or student-content…

Critical thinking (CT), or the ability to engage in purposeful, self-regulatory judgment, is widely recognized as an important, even essential, skill. This article describes an ongoing meta-analysis that summarizes the available empirical evidence on the impact of instruction on the development and enhancement of critical thinking skills and…

A meta-analysis of the comparative distance education (DE) literature between 1985 and 2002 was conducted. In total, 232 studies containing 688 independent achievement, attitude, and retention outcomes were analyzed. Overall results indicated effect sizes of essentially zero on all three measures and wide variability. This suggests that many…

According to van Wyhe (2002), 19th-century phrenologists called their interest "the only true science of mind." The basic tenets of phrenology were: (a) the brain is the organ of the mind; (b) the mind is composed of multiple distinct, innate faculties; (c) because they are distinct, each faculty must have a separate seat or "organ" in the brain;…

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between computer technology's role and students' perceptions about course effectiveness. Students from two universities (one Canadian, n = 1465; one American, n = 831) completed a 71-item questionnaire addressing different aspects of their learning experience in a given course. Factor…

This meta-analysis employs a theoretical framework in quantitatively synthesizing empirical studies that investigate the effects of distance education (DE) versus classroom instruction on undergraduate student achievement. Analyses of 218 findings from 103 studies were conducted according to how media were used to support DE pedagogy. The results…

Synthesized the empirical research on the effects of social context (small group versus individual learning) when students learn using computer technology. Analyzed 486 independent findings from 122 studies involving 11,317 learners. On average, small group learning had more positive effects, but findings on both individual achievement and group…

Investigated the relationship between university student motivation and student acceptance of learning via computer conferencing (CC). Considered frequency of contributing online messages; satisfaction with CC; grades; effort; goal orientation; personal relevance of tasks; task attractiveness; and students' beliefs concerning the relationship of…

Ounce of Prevention in Schools, an early intervention program in a Quebec elementary school, includes a family support component to increase parents' involvement and assistance with their children's school work. Interviews showed that, compared to control parents, parents in the program helped their children more with homework but had lower…

Introduces this special issue focusing on eight projects designed to promote complex learning using technology with an associated chapter of commentary. Highlights key issues related to the use of technology and lists 14 learner-centered psychological principles for complex learning. (SLD)

Developed and performed a formative evaluation of a computer assisted tutoring program to help students experiencing problems learning to read. Initial findings with 12 tutors and 25 first and second graders provide support for developing a program designed with "just in time" support for tutors and interactive activities for tutees based on…

Reviews research concerning within-class grouping of students for learning and addresses some issues related to the integration of research on small group instruction raised by S. Prais (1998, 1999). Elaborates on pedagogical techniques that encourage effective small group instruction. (SLD)

The relationship between student/teacher attitude similarity and teacher rating form (TRF) scores is examined. Students (N=345) completed a 24-item attitude scale, once for themselves and once for their instructors, and a 28-item TRF. Attitude similarity is of minimum importance when evaluations are used to make gross distinctions among…