The ability to effectively communicate with individuals from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds is an invaluable asset. Learning a second language proves useful as students navigate the culturally diverse world; however, studying a second language can be difficult for learners who are not immersed in the real and natural environment of…

While technology has the potential to create opportunities for transformative learning in higher education, it is often used to merely reinforce didactic teaching that aims to control access to expert knowledge. Instead, educators should consider using technology to enhance communication and provide richer, more meaningful platforms for the social…

Although there is an increasing use of emerging technologies (ETs) in higher education internationally and in South Africa in particular, there is little evidence that their use is transforming teaching and learning practice. Anecdotal evidence shows that there is a dichotomy between the technologies supported and used in higher education…

Teachers know that a constructivist approach involving project-based, student-centered activities can result in students taking an active role in their own learning and engaging in thought-provoking challenges. When accomplished with collaborative activities, students develop skills that will serve them well in the future in any group project.…

For policymakers, educators and others interested in learning more about the one-to-one computing movement, this issue of "The Progress of Education Reform" spotlights three particularly useful resources: (1) a detailed review of the challenges faced by states and districts implementing laptop programs, and of lessons learned to date in…

The main purpose of this paper is to provide teachers of mathematics in higher education with a guide to a selection of web-based resources which it is hoped will be useful in their teaching. Short reviews of a number of web sites are provided. It is not claimed that the collection of sites reviewed is exhaustive, or indeed that those reviewed are…

There are millions of web pages available on the World Wide Web. Using the word "math" or "maths" in one of the many search engines such as Alta Vista brings forth details of many thousands of mathematics web pages. All around the world, mathematicians are more than willing to share their knowledge with others. However, this can present more…

This document addresses the various sources of information that the political scientist can rely on and make use of via electronic mail. What network sources are available, where they can be found, what to do to get them, how to use them, and what sources to make use of in order to obtain maximum information are discussed. The article examines the…

This book presents a collection of papers for teachers and teacher educators who are interested in using information and communication technology (ICT) in their teaching or professional learning. The 10 chapters are: (1) "Professional Development: Too Little, Too Generic?" (Kwok-Wing Lai); (2) "Professional Development for ICT-Using…

Suggesting that the teaching of poetry must be engaging as well as challenging, this book presents practical approaches, guidelines, activities, and scenarios for teaching poetry in high school. It offers 40 complete poems; a discussion of assessment issues (including authentic assessment); poetry across the curriculum; and addresses and…

The Internet has become a powerful force in transforming organizations in both private and public sectors, including public education. Some educational reformers now view virtual schools, in which the majority of course content is delivered online, as a viable alternative and innovative means of educating K-12 students. As of September 2007, 42…

This instructor's manual is designed to improve the instructional support program for Writing 139, an interdisciplinary advanced composition class at the University of California, Irvine taught primarily by graduate student teaching assistants. After a brief history and overview of the course, the manual presents sections that address the…

National and state assessments have produced an abundance of data regarding the strengths and weaknesses of student achievement. However, to date, little has been written to guide educators regarding the use of these data to increase student achievement. This practical guide will provide educators with a step-by-step process for gathering and…

Many believe that technology offers the most benefit to students and teachers when it is integrated into the core curriculum rather than being taught as a separate discipline. This publication is intended to assist teachers in incorporating technology into learning activities in mathematics and science. Chapters emphasize issues concerning…

Presenting a wide array of Internet addresses and sample lessons, this book shows how teachers can integrate the Internet into their K-12 curriculum to actively involve students. The first section of the book (chapters 1-6) deals with the programs needed to use the Internet, as well as 100 great web sites for teachers, how to manage the Internet…