The expansion of cognitive load theory to include evolutionary perspectives posits that biologically primary knowledge might support the acquisition of biologically secondary knowledge, which needs explicit instruction for novices to construct. Pointing and tracing actions with the index finger may be forms of biologically primary knowledge that…

This study investigates the potential of individual, collaborative, and E-collaborative writing modalities on the development of syntactic complexity (SC), their sustained effect on SC development, and the potential meditating role of SC of L1 (First Language) in SC of L2 (Second Language). To this end, 90 Iranian intermediate EFL learners…

This study investigated students' use of electronic support tools within a computer-based mathematics program. Electronic support tools are tools, such as hyperlinks or calculators, available within many computer-based instructional programs. A convenience sample of 73 students in grades 4-6 was selected to participate in the study. Students…

Learning with instructional animations may overstretch limited working memory resources due to intense processing demands associated with transient information. The authors investigated whether explicit instructional advice coupled with a task-specific learner control mechanism (such as a timeline scrollbar) could facilitate the successful…

Betty's Brain is an open-ended learning environment in which students learn about science topics by teaching a virtual agent named Betty through the construction of a visual causal map that represents the relevant science phenomena. The task is complex, and success requires the use of metacognitive strategies that support knowledge acquisition,…

This paper describes an iteration of a design-based research project that involved integrating commercial physical activity data (PAD) sensors, such as heart rate monitors and pedometers, as technologies that could be used in two fifth grade classrooms. By working in partnership with two participating teachers and seeking out immediate resources…

This study investigated the effects of domain-general and domain-specific scaffolds with different levels of support, continuous and faded, on learning of scientific content and problem-solving. Students' scores on a multiple-choice pretest, posttest, and four recommendation forms were analyzed. Students' content knowledge in all conditions…

This study examined the effects of prior knowledge, learner preference for control, and type of control (learner or program) on the achievement of middle-school students in a computer-based instructional program on adding and subtracting integers. Students were blocked by preference-for-control scores and randomly assigned to either a…

Describes study that investigated achievement and motivation effects related to locus of control and learner control on seventh and eighth grade Hispanic students completing a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) science lesson. Use of the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility scale is discussed, and a questionnaire that assessed student…

Describes study of undergraduates that examined uses and effects of learner control of the context or theme of practice examples on a computer-based statistics lesson in combination with the number of examples examined. Student attitudes are discussed, and correlations between learner characteristics and task outcomes are examined. (38 references)…

Describes study that investigated the effects of learner control and program control on the achievement and continuing motivation of high school students. The influence of the availability of computer-delivered instruction on student motivation was also examined, results are analyzed, and further research needs are suggested. (37 references)…

Compares the performance and attitudes toward instruction of eighth graders working individually on a computer-based sex education lesson with those of learners working cooperatively in dyads. Interactions on an attitude measure were detected among instructional method, gender, and ability, and results indicate that cooperative instruction yielded…

Describes a study that investigated the effects of learner control and program control, and lean and full modes of instructional programs, on the achievement, use of options, time on task, and attitudes of high-ability and low-ability students from grades 9 and 10 during computer-assisted instruction. (LRW)

This study examined learner-control strategies for selecting problem context and level of instructional support on a computer-based mathematics unit on the metric system. Subjects were 240 sixth grade students assigned to 15 treatments. Performance was lowest under learner-control instructional support conditions even though subjects indicated…

The effects of variations in learner control were examined for an interactive lesson presented as a videodisc visit to an art museum. The 101 first and second grade subjects were assigned to program control, learner control, and learner control with advisement conditions, or to a control group. Data on achievement and curiosity were analyzed. (28…