Describes a study that compared individual computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with paired/cooperative CAI as a method of providing inservice training for cooperative extension agents on the topic of proper water well location and construction. Cognitive achievement and time spent on the lesson are investigated. (18 references) (LRW)

This study examined ways in which experience in computer usage influences the manifestation of computer anxiety and computer interest in high school students in Western Australia. Use of the Computer Anxiety Scale and the Computer Interest Scale are discussed, and a decline in anxiety level corresponding with an increase in experience is shown.…

Discussion of the use of local and wide area networks on college campuses highlights the design and implementation of a wide area network within the division of student affairs at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Practical applications are described, and cost and benefit factors are discussed. (17 references) (LRW)

Describes an undergraduate course at the Polytechnic of Wales called Information Systems for Management that was designed to give students responsibility for setting objectives, working at their own pace, and making self-assessments. Highlights include course objectives, course content, learning methods used, students' reactions, results obtained,…

Describes a study that was conducted in Wales to investigate the attitudes and responses of 16- to 19-year-old students in a flexible learning program. Problems of open learning processes with this age group are discussed, and study skills, tutorial support, and performance monitoring are examined. (six references) (LRW)

Reviews models of staff development in British higher education. Five micro models of staff development practice are described and evaluated; three macro models of staff development responsibility are identified; relationships between micro and macro models are discussed; and the most suitable models are suggested. (20 references) (LRW)

Describes a study conducted in a distance education nursing course at St. Francis Xavier University (Nova Scotia) that was designed to assess the instructional potential of two learning strategies, post questioning and concept mapping, in the presence and absence of feedback. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are described. (18…

Describes a study conducted with eleventh graders that compared the effects of computer-based instruction (CBI) and print-based instruction (PBI) on motivation, continuing motivation, and content recall. Use of the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) is explained, and the findings, which indicate the superiority of CBI, are discussed.…

Describes a survey conducted for the Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals (ICCP) that examined qualifications and certifications held by information technology (i.e., computer science, information science, information systems, and computer literacy) faculty at two-year and four-year colleges. Continuing education requirements are…

Discussion of videodisc instruction for education and training focuses on a seven-stage quality control model for use with large development projects. Topics discussed include development of instructional goals, videodisc design, development review, production review, programing review, revisions, and a final review and sign off. (eight…

Discussion of computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on an international electronic Delphi study that was conducted to predict the prevalent instructional CMC applications that will be used in colleges and universities in the near future. Resources required for support and obstacles to be overcome are discussed. (Contains 81 references.)…

This article reports results of a case study of text-based online and CD-ROM databases that identified design characteristics that are important to high school students' use for higher-level learning as well as for information access and retrieval. Implications for the design of databases are suggested. (Contains 62 references.) (LRW)

Reviews research on how geographic maps influence the recall of associated text and describes a theoretical model of map-text learning based on dual-coding theory and working memory operations. Instructional implications are explained, and recommendations for instructional applications are given. (Contains 84 references.) (LRW)

Describes a study of 80 undergraduate foreign language learners that compared the use of a hyper-reference source incorporating an electronic dictionary and a conventional paper dictionary. Measures of consultation frequency, study time, efficiency, and comprehension are examined; bilingual and monolingual dictionary use is compared; and further…

Examines implications from cognitive psychology which are important for the design of microcomputer-based instructional simulations. Topics addressed include cognitive structure, including schemata and mental models; cognitive and metacognitive strategies; automaticity of cognitive processes; and affect, or the motivational appeal. (Contains 86…