Cognitive load and instructionally supported learning with provided and learner-generated visualizations

This study investigated, whether learning from science texts can be enhanced by providing learners with different forms of visualizations (pictures) in addition to text. One-hundred-two 9th and 10th graders read a computer-based text on chemical processes of washing and answered questions on cognitive load (mental effort, perceived difficulty) and comprehension (retention, transfer, drawing). Instruction varied according to a 2 × 2-factorial design with ‘learner-generated pictures’ (yes, no) and ‘provided pictures’ (yes, no) as factors. Results indicate positive main effects of provided pictures on all three comprehension measures and negative main effects on both cognitive load measures. Additional analyses revealed a mediation effect of perceived difficulty on retention and transfer, that is learning with provided pictures decreased cognitive load and enhanced comprehension. Furthermore, results show a positive main effect of learner-generated pictures on drawing and mental effort, but no mediation effect. Taken together, computer-based learning with provided pictures enhances comprehension as it seems to promote active processing while reducing extraneous cognitive processing. Learners, generating pictures, however, seem to have less cognitive resources available for essential and generative processing, resulting in reduced comprehension. These results are in line with cognitive load theory, cognitive theories of multimedia learning, and generative theories of learning.     

Instructional effectiveness of a computer-supported program for teaching reading comprehension strategies

This article examines the effectiveness of a computer-based instructional program (e-PELS) aimed at direct instruction in a collection of reading comprehension strategies. In e-PELS, students learn to highlight and outline expository passages based on various types of text structures (such as comparison or cause-and-effect) as well as to paraphrase, self-question, and summarize. The study involved 1041 fourth-grade elementary students from 21 schools distributed in three regions in central Chile. Participant teachers integrated this program into the Spanish language curriculum, instructing their students during thirty sessions of 90 min each during one school semester. Pretest-to-posttest gains in reading comprehension scores were significantly greater for students instructed with this program than for students who received traditional instruction (d = .5), with particularly strong effects for lower-achieving students (d = .7). The findings support the efficacy of direct instruction in specific learning strategies in a computer-based environment.     

让Office XP读出声音来

阐述在Office2002 XP中开发"从文本到语音"的语音合成功能,首先介绍了在Word中开发的程序和步骤,接着介绍了在PowerPoint中开发的方法和程序,最后介绍了如何在Access中进行开发的过程.     

Extensive reading online: an overview and evaluation

Abstract This study reports on the design and implementation of a reading program — Extensive Reading Online (ERO) — that aims to offer an online reading platform featuring specific needs for EFL learners in Taiwan. The system includes both teacher and student interfaces. Several reading aids are integrated into the system, such as concordancer help, stage-by-stage reading strategy training, and text annotation functions. ERO was integrated into a college level reading class. Results show that students held a positive attitude toward the reading system. Some recommendations for future improvement are also discussed.     

The potential of Information Technology within the English Curriculum

Abstract  This paper explores some of the implications of the recently issued Statutory Orders for English in the National Curriculum of England and Wales so far as Information Technology is concerned. After consideration of the extent to which there is now a legal requirement to use the new technologies in English classrooms, the paper considers how the use of such technology might be extended to develop and enhance good practice in the teaching and learning of English.     

基于LabVIEW的机器视觉实现

介绍了从图像获取,图像处理,图像理解等几个方面去实现具有视觉功能装配机器人的方法。