This review of cognitive development research in the area of computer-based reading instruction focuses on reinforcement and instructional objectives. Differences between extrinsic and intrinsic reinforcement and motivation are discussed, types of objectives and learner characteristics are described, and implications for instructional design are…

Reports on a study of 14 master's degree students' online communication patterns when their classroom environment had been expanded electronically through a public listserv for classroom interaction and private e-mail on the Internet. Student attitudes and reactions are described, based on results of questionnaires. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the inclusion of special education students in regular classrooms focuses on a study that compared computer-assisted instruction and traditional instruction used in preparing elementary and secondary education majors for inclusion. Knowledge of special education and attitudes toward the disabled are examined. (LRW)

Describes teacher education courses that can serve as models for integrating technology into preservice education. Stresses the importance of learning about technology with technology, an approach that has been integrated into preservice social studies methods classes at the University of New Mexico. Discusses computer discourse and classroom…

Describes a project that uses computer mediated communication in universities in the United States and Mexico to teach minority students effectively. BESTNET (Binational English and Spanish Telecommunications Network) is explained, use for distance education is discussed, computer conferencing and electronic mail are described, and problems of…

Describes the use of the Flesch readability and interest formulae to evaluate textbooks intended for use in college level introductory educational computing courses. Variables that influence what textbook is chosen for a college course are discussed, and readability scores, human interest categories, and subject matter coverage are examined in…

Describes study of elementary teacher education students that was conducted to compare the instructional effectiveness of traditional lecture methods and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) methods. Knowledge concerning special education students and mainstreaming techniques was tested, and results are reported that indicate no difference in the…

Discussion of the need for increased teacher training in computer applications in education focuses on the evaluation of a training module developed to train preservice teachers in computer applications for reading courses. Student ratings of the importance of computers, self-perception of knowledge of computers, and attitudes toward computers are…

Discusses gender bias in educational software programs and describes two studies that explored the ability of preservice and inservice teachers to detect bias in software programs. Evaluation instruments used to measure gender bias are described, and the need for instruction in equity issues is discussed. (23 references) (LRW)

This review of research on microcomputers and their impact on education highlights literature reviews and findings from 1975 to the present; meta-analysis issues and procedures; findings of research on instructional effectiveness; word processing; Logo; student attitudes and characteristics; and implications of these findings for computer use and…

Describes results of a survey of secondary school and college teachers that was conducted to determine subject matter that should be included in educational computing journals. Areas of interest included computer applications; artificial intelligence; computer-aided instruction; computer literacy; computer-managed instruction; databases; distance…

Discussion of gender differences in computer usage focuses on a study that was conducted to investigate sex differences in attitudes of students in grades three and six toward computers. Research on computer gender differences among elementary and secondary school students and college students is reviewed, and additional research needs are…

Describes audiographics, or microcomputer-based teleteaching, as a feasible distance education delivery approach, and presents research data collected from a graduate course taught via audiographics at Texas Tech University. Student attitudes are discussed, advantages and disadvantages are considered, and suggestions for effective audiographics…

Eight articles review and report on research involving computers and problem solving skills. Topics discussed include research design; problem solving skills and programing languages, including BASIC and LOGO; computer anxiety; diagnostic programs for arithmetic problems; and relationships between ability and problem solving scores and between…

Describes a study of teacher education students at West Virginia University that was conducted to determine the effects of a computer-awareness learning module, instructional format, and prior computer use on computer anxiety. The relationships among performance, computer anxiety, and prior experience are also discussed. (Contains 12 references.)…