Examines the nature of desktop publishing and how it can be used in the classroom for gifted/talented students. Characteristics and special needs of such students are identified, and it is argued that desktop publishing addresses those needs, particularly with regard to creativity. Twenty-six references are provided. (MES)

Identifies and discusses 10 overly optimistic claims for the use of computers in the classroom, and makes recommendations concerning each claim. Highlights include computer labs versus curriculum integration; the development of hardware versus software; the values of computer literacy; computer networking; computer education training; the use of…

Discussion of the growing use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in education focuses on an intrapersonal communication model based on the cognitive experience of the individual. Four types of experiential learning that can be applied to CMC are explained: (1) response learning; (2) situation learning; (3) transsituation learning; and (4)…

Reports on the Ecole Moderne, a French educational reform movement that began in the 1920s that views technology as a tool. Through a review of the literature, interviews with leaders of the Freinet movement, and observations of Freinet classrooms in France, the impact of modern technology on the Ecole Moderne movement and implications for…

This exploratory investigation examined relations between teachers' views of knowledge acquisition and their use of computers in the classroom. A survey instrument that assessed views ranging from objectivism to constructivism is described; and teaching experience, demographic variables, and types of software programs likely to be used are…

Discusses the use of beliefs to guide researchers in the development of computer-based learning. Topics include properties of beliefs; beliefs about learning; beliefs about computer technologies; directions for computer-based learning, including multimedia technology, virtual reality, and groupware; and learning rationales, including…

Looks at training practices in the business community to see how adult learning theories--individual differences in adult learners, positive environment for adult learning, personalization of adult learning needs, using adult learner's experience, and formalizing the use of practice in training--are being applied. (MBR)

Reviews several principles of learning theory and the characteristics of a good learning situation. The evaluation checklist included provides a list of characteristics that could be expected in any learning program which uses a particular medium such as the computer. (MER)

Discusses the relationship between instructional design and situated learning. The transfer of knowledge and skills to a variety of settings is considered; and ways in which instructional design can contribute to the goals of situated learning are described, including planning learning experiences that are situated in the real world. (24…

This response to criticism of a previous article discusses the ways in which learners exist in and move through communities and how changing locations affect learning processes. Topics addressed include prior knowledge; practice-based, situated learning; political philosophy; learning as a social practice; and implications for the design of…

Discusses theories of constructivism, educational technology, and instructional design that were raised in an earlier issue. Topics discussed include process versus content of learning; collaboration; prespecification of knowledge in building instruction; and the design of learning environments. Two examples contrasting objectivist and…

Reviews articles in this issue that deal with theories of constructivism from the point of view of an instructional designer. Highlights include technology and constructivism; generative learning environments; learning processes; assessment; learning strategies; knowledge domains; learner control; and suggestions for both constructivists and…

Discussion of educational systems design describes four systems levels that can be emphasized: learning experience, instructional, administration, and governance levels. Factors to be considered in selecting a focus level and the implications of focusing on the learning experience level are discussed; and a table comparing instructional and…

Defines cognitive computer tools as software programs that use the control capabilities of computers to amplify, extend, or enhance human cognition; suggests seven ways in which computers can aid learning; and describes the "Learning Tool," a software package for the Apple Macintosh microcomputer that is designed to aid learning of…

This fourth in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference at Utah State University compares Gagne's Conditions of Learning with Merrill's Component Display/Design Theory, and suggests a merging of the two. Topics discussed include content structures, learning hierarchies, learning theories, learner control, problem solving, cognitive…