Discusses Query-Based Instructional Machines (QBIM), common in museums, which are menu-driven and use touch-screens. Presents results of an investigation of student responses in a London university to the idea of incorporating QBIM instruction, exploring the influences of personal traits that might affect their attitudes as well as the impact of…

Describes a study conducted in Nigeria that investigated whether the use of videotape recordings was an effective method of teacher education prior to full-time teaching. Results of groups during microteaching sessions showed that the group which used videotape recordings showed more significant progress in the mastery of teaching skills.…

Considers the history of the information technology revolution in education in Britain. Topics include the early ZX80 machine; the development of microcomputers; government support; audio-visual equipment; and problems that current teachers in training still have in using technology appropriately. (LRW)

Discusses portfolio assessment, self assessment, and peer assessment, and introduces a networked portfolio system that combines all three assessment types. Describes briefly a study conducted with undergraduate student in Taiwan that investigated student preferences in a networked portfolio system. (LRW)

Discussion of the value of multimedia in online learning environments focuses on a cost-benefit study of a doctoral-level course that used a multimedia CD. Results suggest that the instructional effectiveness of multimedia is relative and actual costs versus anticipated benefits must be balanced. (LRW)

Reports findings of a case study that explored the possible benefits that dyslexic children might have when engaging in the creation of their own multimedia project. Concludes that the open-ended character of a multimedia authoring package can encourage creative thinking and interest for content and style of presentation. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the development of technologies to assist people with developmental disabilities to engage in constructive activity focuses on the development, evaluation, and use of VICAID, a system based on a simplified palmtop computer which enables a person to access pictorial instructions designed to help in the accurate completion of tasks.…

Reviews the use of one type of computer software, virtual environments, for its potential in the education and rehabilitation of people with intellectual disabilities. Topics include virtual environments in special education; transfer of learning; adult learning; the role of the tutor; and future directions, including availability, accessibility,…

Describes a study of a United Kingdom project that distributed portable computers to special education needs coordinators and support services staff. Highlights include teachers' time and workload issues; training needs; and the position of support service staff and implications for local education authorities (LEA). (LRW)

This study evaluates the utility of Wordshark, a multisensory drill-and-practice computer program designed to improve children's spelling and word recognition skills. Discusses results of a questionnaire sent to United Kingdom schools that investigated use in elementary and secondary schools; students with special education needs; and Individual…

A comprehensive survey of United Kingdom special schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) has shown that the rapid increase in Internet use on the part of mainstream schools has not been mirrored in special education. Discusses reasons for the creation of special school home pages; and issues of separation and inclusion. (Author/LRW)

Discusses identity formation and self-concept of people with learning disabilities and reports results of a survey of personal Web home pages written by people with Down Syndrome. Investigates the extent to which they use the pages to accept or deny membership of the Down Syndrome group identity. (Author/LRW)

Reviews developments in the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in the education of children with visual impairments. Highlights include the population of children with visual impairments in the United Kingdom; and World Health Organization classification of disability as a criteria by which the relevance of ICT can be measured.…

Describes a survey of microcomputer use for adults with learning disability within The Home Farm Trust, a United Kingdom national organization for people with learning disability that was carried out in light of a planned organization-wide initiative to introduce modern information and communications technology to service users. (Author/LRW)

Describes the Telematics Applications Supporting Cognition (TASC) project, an international collaboration funded by the European Union to develop a microcomputer-based system supporting decision-making, planning, and communication for persons with cognitive disabilities. Considers a flexible, modular solution to meet the needs of persons with…