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This was excerpted From Edupage, 27 October 1996 (an excellent online educational newsclipping service--let me know if you want to subscribe--free) [...] ACADEMIC SYSTEMS HITS A HOMER WITH MEDIATED LEARNING Feedback from some 40 campuses now using Academic Systems' three mediated-learning algebra courses indicates the software company's approach to instructional technology is a winner -- with company officials saying their research shows higher passing rates for students using the computer-based course than those using the traditional lecture approach. In addition, students who have taken the mediated-learning courses have done better in subsequent math courses. The courseware works best with the full involvement of a teacher present, says a Cal Poly professor. One experimental course that used the software only resulted in lower student grades and many dropouts. "It's an exquisitely fine tool to allow the instructor to intervene just at the right time and just at the right place," says Cal State-Hayward's provost and VP for academic affairs. "It's the best example of what instructional technology is supposed to do, which is to make the instructor a better instructor." In addition to the algebra courses, Academic Systems is now developing a mediated-learning writing course. (Chronicle of Higher Education 25 Oct 96 A27) from algebra to writing.... mary-louise