Contributions to this special section represent advances in understanding help seeking as a self-regulated learning strategy that occurs in classrooms, during computer-mediated communications, and when using intelligent systems that provide help to improve learners' help-seeking skills and knowledge acquisition. Collectively, the research and…

Reports on research that shows that people with nerve or limb injuries may one day be able to command wheelchairs, prosthetics, and even paralyzed arms and legs by "thinking them through" the motions. (Author/MM)

Examines how decisions concerning research, development, and the application of science and technology take place within the framework of democracy and the U.S. political system. Maintains that the decision making process for basic research, technological development, and applications follow, respectively, the general political models of…

Presents the views of Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale on various science issues. Major areas examined include: science policy goals; science education; adequate research and development funding; importance of research activities; role of science and technology in solving national problems; and other issues. (JN)

The author demonstrates that the interface between technology education and mathematics and science may be achieved through five different approaches: an innovation study approach, a systems study approach, a process study approach, a construction study approach, and a research and experimentation approach. (CT)

Innovation includes not only the production of new technology but also its use. From the user's perspective several stages are indicated including acquiring initial awareness of the new technology, deciding about its merit, adopting, implementing and deploying, and eventually establishing routine use. This process is longitudinal, involving units…

Proposes that full automation is the best current option for the United States' manufacturing industries. Advocates increased use of electronics, robotics, and computers in the establishment of unmanned factories. Implications of this movement are examined in terms of labor, management, and the structure of the economy. (ML)

Presents an interview with National Academy of Sciences president Frank Press who discusses various topics and issues related to the new era of science. They include the rapidity of scientific advances, changes in the structure of science policy, and concerns about university research systems. (JN)

Discussion of the relationship between academia and the National Science Foundation (NSF) notes the proven success of this relationship. Discusses the importance of basic research to the academic mission, the NSF merit-based funding approach, and NSF efforts to develop the science and technology skills of students in K-12. Urges support for…

Without continued technical innovation and rapid conversion of these innovations to quality products and processes, America cannot remain a viable competitor in today's global markets. This volume contains five presentations at a symposium convened by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine,…

Reviews the status of high energy physics and the contributions resulting from research with particle accelerators. Supports the value of supercolliders and discusses its potential impact on scientific research. Also reviews and analyzes the basic components of the Standard Model. (ML)

Addresses the issues related to the construction of the Superconducting Supercollider (SSC) and to decisions associated with other big-budget research facilities. Examines questions concerning the collider's design, technology, construction, management, and operation. Also explores the international implications of the project. (ML)

Discussed are the developments in neural networks technology that promise to make computers a great deal smarter. The brain is described, and its workings are compared to that of a computer. Computer programs that allow the construction of a simulated neural network are discussed and evaluated. (KR)

Argues that a United States built and operated Superconducting Supercollider (SSC) could strain the infrastructure of scientific research. Identifies the areas which would be adversely affected by the funding of the SSC. Advocates construction of the collider as an international enterprise. (ML)

Cites the need for scholarly activity in instructional technology and argues that it should be shifted from education, with its focus on teacher preparation, to technology, where there would be more freedom to explore the consequences of techniques, methods, instruments, and processes inherent in the field. Thirty-two references are cited. (MBR)