Discussion of online instructional design by academic librarians focuses on a study at the University of Minnesota that compared mental models of librarians and students as they relate to online library tutorials. Reports on a review of existing library tutorials, usability studies, and student interviews about the research and writing process.…

Presents an architecture of an intelligent system to support learning that is able to address the issues that arise from constructivist theories of learning in a way that, rather than opposing to the standard intelligent tutoring system architecture, characterizes a broader view in all its components which can be appropriately attuned to address…

Describes a study of university students that investigated the effects of a variable unique to Internet-based learning, namely download delay of instructional materials. Discusses a simulated online teaching tool that measured the effects of download delay of images on test performance, time spent on the material, end-user satisfaction, and…

Purpose: The on-line tutor or e-moderator faces a diversity of new challenges, including instructional design, organisation, direct instruction and facilitating discourse. This study aims to contrast the views of students and tutors regarding what factors constitute effective e-moderation in order to identify key attributes of an on-line tutor.…

This study of graduate students examined the process and outcomes of novice and expert teachers who learned a classroom-observation coding system through a hypermedia learning environment. The training program was designed as a modular, skills-based approach that allowed user-controlled access to tutorials, guided practice, and independent…

Reports on the development of a composite learner model for adaptive tutoring systems that combines a model of learner attributes with a simple overlay model of the learner's domain knowledge state. The system is able to select the optimal form of learning material to be presented for the subject. (MJP)

Investigated whether elementary school girls' attributions about computer use follow a pattern of learned helplessness. Results from drill-and-practice and tutorial tasks involving 220 children show girls benefited from increased exposure time and that attributions to ease of task and ability predicted performance for both boys and girls.…

This study provides detailed descriptions, analyses, and interpretations of student interactions and participation that occurred in computer-mediated interactive writing activities in two different college classroom network situations. A freshman composition class focused on the teaching of writing through assigned exercises and incorporated…

This study presents a descriptive account of the effects of two computer based tutorial programs used in high school Pre-Algebra and English classes via an interactive computer technology laboratory environment. The laboratory settings described, joint enterprises developed by a state university, the United States Air Force, and two public school…

Describes a study of ninth-grade students that evaluated the ability of the Word Problem Solving Tutor, a cognitive tutoring system, to improve the abstract-reasoning component of word-problem solving. Compares combinations of traditional instruction, computer-assisted instruction, and the tutoring program and discusses implications for math…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Sheffield (United Kingdom) that measured the learning behavior and performance of 65 postgraduate students using a hypermedia-based tutorial. Considers cognitive style, levels of prior experience, motivation, age, gender, and navigation patterns. (Author/LRW)

This study examines the effect of the "Technical Troubleshooting Tutor," a computer-coached training program, on aircraft electrical system troubleshooting. Performance ability differences between control groups are noted, and troubleshooting models and flow diagram examples are included. The study demonstrates the possibilities for…

Examines the literature on the effectiveness of computers in social studies instruction and learning. Topics include drill and practice, tutorials, study guides, games and simulations, inquiry and problem solving, graphics, and word processing and writing. Contains 58 references. (LRW)

Compared performance of low-aptitude remedial adults learning to solve mathematics word problems. Participants worked either alone or as collaborative dyads and received instruction/practice using either the Word Problem-Solving Environment (WPSE), an exploratory system over which learners exercise control, or Solver, a structured and directive…

Describes a study of fifth- and sixth-grade students that assessed the relationship of group size, exposure time, and attributions on children's performance on drill and practice of tutorial microcomputer tasks. Results of hierarchical regression are discussed and it is suggested that software designers focus on appropriate feedback to enhance…