Presents a historical overview of visualization as a cognitive strategy in human creativity, discovery, and problem-solving. Highlights include visualization as a cognitive strategy for solving everyday problems; visualization by scientists and inventors; counter examples; and implications for multimedia learning environments, instructional…

Describes a study that was conducted to identify the roles and competencies of distance education professionals within the United States and Canada based on a survey of approximately 100 distance educators. A competency model based on the results is presented and recommendations for future research are included. (Contains 68 references.) (LRW)

Focuses on ways in which countries can work together to share their expertise on new educational technologies. Highlights include future developments; effectiveness as a result of design, quality control, and appropriate context; equity and gaps in use of new technologies; and cooperation in technology education. (AEF)

Describes the theoretical basis and methodology for research seeking to identify higher-order cognitive activity in university students' information-seeking and learning tasks with hypermedia. Reviews difficulties arising from the inconsistency among schemes of cognitive analysis, and of articulating such schemes closely with accounts of desirable…

A survey of student use of audio recordings of lectures at universities revealed that students valued the opportunity to listen to the lectures they missed; fewer students sought academic staff to ask questions; students made copies of the recordings away from the library, which reduced pressure on library facilities; and few students deliberately…

Defines and describes virtual reality technology and differentiates between virtual learning environment, learning material, and learning tools. Links learning rationales to virtual reality technology to pave conceptual foundations for application of virtual reality technology education. Constructivism, case-based learning, problem-based learning,…

Discusses a multimedia computer-assisted instruction training project at San Juan College (New Mexico) within the context of current research in the area. Research demonstrates that the complexity of hypermedia requires methodical management, cognitive factors limit the optimum number and types of hypermedia link displays, and close monitoring of…

Due to the increasing importance of science and technology in daily life, the general public is required to have the ability to evaluate the use of science and technology. Basic knowledge and competence necessary for evaluation and relevant decision making are called "technological literacy." The framework of technological literacy is described…

Describes a dedicated method for the design of multimedia courseware, called PROFIL, which integrates instructional design with software engineering techniques and incorporates media selection in the design methodology. The phases of development are outlined: preliminary investigation, definition, script, technical realization, implementation, and…

Surveys current work in Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) and describes how technology can be extended to exploit communication between computers. Reviews applications that might make use of network support (distributed CSCL) and evaluates a sample prototype distributed CSCL application. Highlights value, viability, and development…

Research investigating the role of computers in the primary classroom is closely linked to the body of knowledge concerned with theories of learning and child development. Presents research as an attempt to provide scientifically supportable reasons why computers are effective in education and examines the educational application of cognitive…

This description of the status of educational technology and trends in the development of the field in Argentina is based on article documents, reports, and a survey of projects operating in that country. Sixteen references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Describes the development of educational technology in Brazil and analyzes examples of successful and unsuccessful projects, particularly in the field of tele-education. (Author/CHC)

Traces the development of vocational training and distance education in Brazil, briefly describes distance education activities of several agencies, and discusses the use of programed instruction, the personalized system of instruction, training manuals, and training modules. Commercial educational technology services are briefly described and 14…

Describes the National System of Distance Training (SINCAD) which is a long-term effort at a systems approach application of educational technology in Chile. The history, system of course design, and work that has been done are discussed within the context of the role of vocational training in Latin America. (CHC)