This study investigated the effects of collaboration mode and group composition during a computer-mediated collaborative (CMC) program. Six intact sections of a computer literacy course were assigned to either a face-to-face or a virtual, online collaboration treatment condition. Groups consisted of homogeneous lower-ability, homogeneous…

In this study, we investigated the effect of type of positive interdependence (roles, rewards, roles-plus-rewards, or no structure) and affiliation motives (high vs. low) in an asynchronous, collaborative learning environment. College reentry students worked together in small, fully online discussion groups that lasted for seven days. Results…

Discusses problem solving, problem-based learning, and collaborative learning, and describes a university study that investigated the effects of individual Web-based learning versus computer-mediated collaborative Web-based learning and ability grouping on learner performance in solving ill-defined problems. Considers time on task, participant…

Examines the role of discussion groups in a case-based environment. College students completed two cases individually or in small discussion groups. Overall, participants in groups liked their method significantly better than those who worked alone, felt they learned more working in a group than they would have working alone, and expressed a…

Examines effects of overview mode and computer experience on achievement, attitude and instructional time in a hypertext learning environment. Results indicated participants with high computer experience learned more from the program than those with low experience. Participants receiving structured or unstructured overview spent significantly more…

Investigates the effects of implementing individual and small-group learning structures with a computer simulation in college accounting. Results indicate students working alone expressed significantly more continuing motivation for their learning structure than did partnered students; students using extensive small-group structure exhibited…

Investigates the effect of implementing cooperative versus individual learning and orienting activities during computer-based instruction (CBI). Results indicated that students who received instructional objectives performed significantly better on posttests than students who received either advance organizers or no orienting activities. Learning…

Researchers investigated the effects of an instructional game and supplemental reading on undergraduate students' motivation and performance. Two groups used either a worksheet or a board game to practice materials learned via lecture. The game significantly affected four motivational components (attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction)…

This study (N=75) examined the effects of student ability, locus of control, and type of instructional control on performance and the motivational outcome of confidence. Results indicated that student ability and locus of control significantly influenced both performance and confidence, whereas type of instructional control did not affect…

Reports on a study conducted to provide information on the direction of the development section of "Educational Technology Research and Development" (ETR&D). Results of an article analysis and a survey of consulting editors will guide the development editor in soliciting and selecting articles for publication. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that investigated the effects of search tools and learner cognitive styles on performance in searches for information within a hypermedia database. Students in a university English-as-a-Second-Language program were assigned to one of four treatment groups, and results show a significant interaction between search tool and…

Describes a study that was conducted to investigate the effect of cooperative learning and the need for affiliation on performance, time on task, and satisfaction of undergraduates using an instructional television lesson. Individual measures are described, cooperative versus individual learning strategies are compared, and future research is…

Describes a study that examined preservice teacher success in acquiring and applying principles of learning and instructional design. Tests that measured attainment of the essentials of learning objectives and attainment of competency-based instruction (CBI) objectives are described, and lesson planning performance is examined. (24 references)…

Summarizes issues affecting the field of educational technology which were addressed at the 1989 meeting of the Professors of Instructional Design and Technology (PIDT). Topics discussed include redefining the field of instructional design and technology (IDT); improving graduate studies in IDT; and conducting research in IDT. (16 references) (LRW)

This study investigated the effect of types of orienting activities and practice on achievement, continuing motivation, and student behaviors in a cooperative-learning environment. Learning groups composed of graduate students viewed three instructional television lessons, which included advance organizers, objectives and verbal information, or…