Compares Singapore students' composing behaviors and abilities in (1) hand-written and (2) computer essays using a spelling checker. Results indicate that the spelling checker benefits those students whose initial writing ability is poor and whose writing is blocked by an emphasis on the mechanical aspects of writing. (Author/AEF)

The Dynamic Courseware Generator (DCG), which runs on a Web server, was developed for the authoring of adaptive computer-assisted learning courses. It generates an individual course according to the learner's goals and previous knowledge, and dynamically adapts the course according to the learner's success in knowledge acquisition. The tool may be…

Presents a multimedia component kit for digital electronics authoring and learning. Components available on the Internet facilitate sharing and reuse of educational software and provide authoring support. Emphasis is put on the implementation of a number of components based on simulation and animation that provide a high level of interactivity and…

Reports on a research project designed to develop an intelligent computer-based learning environment of industrial applications. "Jonas," an expert system, is part of a modeling/simulation environment which enables shop-floor workers to test and put new philosophies of work into practice in the context of manufacture. The approach focuses on the…

Describes the CESAR training system, a hypermedia learning environment for hearing-impaired children that has been developed by a multidisciplinary team. Discusses the design principles to define the training material; and creating and using the material. (AEF)

ITELS is an intelligent system for foreign language terminology learning aimed at enhancing learners' conceptual knowledge as well as in understanding specific terminology. Three agents--each of them characterized by specific roles with respect to the system functioning--take part in the instructional process supported by ITELS: the human teacher,…

Presents a method for flexible instructional development which aims at assisting the educational designers in the development of modules that are easily adaptable to different learners' needs and allow learners' choices and different delivery platforms, including distance education. (AEF)

Addresses educational theories in the design of interactive learning environments, and examines implications for effective instructional multimedia design. Argues for the use of dynamic modeling tools and suggests that systems thinking is a cognitive skill that technological developments, particularly in multimedia, have made more addressable.…

Culture represents the complex of social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and personal factors that individuals use to create meaning. When these are missing from instructional materials, achievement may be imperiled. Examples of how cultural variables can be incorporated into instructional decisions are presented to illustrate the potential…

Investigates strategies elementary school children use to conceptualize materials in computer-based learning environments. Results show that 80% of the time students had attention focused on the learning material and gained an elevated level of awareness; the implication to instructional design is that courseware stimulates learning motivation if…

Identifies in-service teacher recommendations for incorporating 11 technology competencies into K-12 education, based on responses of 287 teachers. Charts the responses by elementary, middle and high school teachers. Analysis of the data provides insight into which technology competencies should take priority in instructional design. (Author/AEF)

Examines the extent of changes in basic computer literacy of incoming undergraduate business students in 1996 and determines whether these changes are statistically significant compared to skills in 1990. Results support the notion that computer skills are being acquired by students at early ages; the rate of change will be faster with time. (AEF)

Investigates the impact created by the use of videoconferencing technology in a large MIS class where, traditionally, lecture had been used. Even though 85% of the students who participated in the classes were non-MIS majors, students in the videoconferencing section perceived it to be more useful, challenging, attractive, and clear compared to…

Suggests areas to improve technology-based education for the 21st century. Discusses training in colleges and universities, training through staff development, restructuring with technology, allowing time for extending teachers' knowledge base, and obstacles to technology training. (AEF)

In the Community of Explorers Project (CoE) high school teachers and students engaged in scientific problem solving using advanced network technology and innovative pedagogy. Analysis of e-mail indicated the important effects of organizational and occupational cultures on the application of technology in classrooms and on the development of a…