Considers transitions from naive realism to formal mathematical modeling, using a Direct Manipulation Environment for Newtonian Mechanics. Highlights include a case study of pre-university students in the United Kingdom; the interplay of mathematical reasoning, modes of interaction with technology, and setting; and comparisons between direct…

Discusses methodological issues of mathematical microworld development integrated with generating innovation in school settings. Includes experiences in developing a component architecture for educational software based on Logo as a scripting language and discusses problems of collaboration between organizations and people of differing expertise…

Describes a study that examined the potential of a hypermedia-based expert tool to scaffold regular education sixth graders engaged in a problem-based learning program. Topics include cognitive apprenticeship support for problem-based learning; using hypermedia to offer expert modeling; attitudes toward the learning environment; and self-directed…

Reports on a longitudinal study of the effectiveness of computerizing a liberal arts university. Discusses problems of measurement when tracking changes in the educational outcome; and uses data from the study to develop a reliable scale to measure attitudes related to interaction, computer-mediated communication, student expectations, and…

Describes a study that evaluated the effects of computer experience, gender, and academic performance on computer attitude and user information system satisfaction in a university setting. Results of an analysis of variance showed that the personal characteristics made a difference in computer attitudes but not in academic computer system user…

Discusses the validity of automated, or computer-based, scoring for improving the cost effectiveness of performance assessments and describes a study that examined the relationship of scores from a graduate level writing assessment to several independent, non-test indicators of examinee's writing skills, both for automated scores and for scores…

Describes a study that explored the construct of teacher knowledge of educational technology based on Shulman's model of teachers' knowledge that included content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge; and investigated the ways in which teacher knowledge is acquired, shared, and used by student teachers and their…

Reports descriptive analyses of production data gathered from experienced instructional developers who used a commercial authoring package and supplemental coding over a one-year period to produce three separate instructional lessons on thinking skills as part of a larger commercial educational product. (Author/LRW)

Describes the development and validation of the 30-item Computer User Self-Efficacy (CUSE) Scale, a copy of which is appended. Topics include social cognitive theory; experience and computer self-efficacy; gender differences; and the measurement of computer self-efficacy in student computer users and its relevance to learning in higher education.…

Describes a study that examined fifth-grade Finnish pupils' problem-solving processes in a LEGO/Logo technology-based learning environment. Results indicate that learning model and gender account for group differences in problem solving processes, and are interpreted as supporting the validity of discovery learning. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study conducted at a university in Taiwan that explored the effectiveness of electronic mail as a supplementary aid to instruction and as a communication link between students and between students and instructors in fostering interpersonal relationships. Examines student attitudes toward the instructor, group-mates, and other…

Measured the effects of specific white space features on undergraduates' learning from instructional Web materials and investigated learners' beliefs regarding Web-based instruction. Achievement results indicated that if overall content and structure are sound, minor differences regarding table borders and vertical spacing in text do not hinder…

Describes the design and evaluation of a desktop virtual reality program that was developed to teach children about the accessibility and attitudinal barriers encountered by their peers with mobility impairments. Investigated attitudes, grade levels, familiarity with individuals with a disability, and gender. (Author/LRW)

Discusses intelligent learning environments for computer-based learning, such as agent-based learning environments, and their advantages over human-based instruction. Considers the effects of multiple agents; agents and research design; the use of Multiple Intelligent Mentors Instructing Collaboratively (MIMIC) for instructional design for…

This study describes the development of the Children's Attitude toward Technology Scale (CATS) with 574 children in a rural school district. Discuses differences between elementary and middle school students, gender differences, interest and aptitude, and alternative preferences (for videos and books). (Author/LRW)