Intended to help English teachers make informed decisions about the use of computers in their classrooms, the chapters in this book consider: (1) "computer basics" (defining "hardware" and "software" and the various capabilities of both); (2) the various instructional strategies available via computers; (3) examples of software reflecting these…

Graphing calculators present a challenging task for mathematics teachers in the classroom. This digest offers four distinct methods for using graphing calculators in mathematics classrooms, including: (1) tools for expediency; (2) amplifiers for conceptual understanding; (3) catalysts for critical thinking; and (4) vehicles for integration.…

Explores a few of the trends contributing to the apparent decline in substantive literature instruction and suggests some teaching methods that can help restore the human element to literature. (HOD)

The field of educational technology was built on the positivist, modernist search for a best medium towards universal communication and the teaching of predetermined behavior and thinking patterns. Once, this medium was thought to be motion pictures, then television, then programmed instruction, and today it is hoped that it will be instructional…

This Critical Issue Bibliography (CRIB) Sheet focuses on the improvement of teaching and learning in higher education. The purpose of this CRIB sheet is to present resources that focus on improvement from a systems perspective, examining structural and cultural changes. The resources are grouped into these broad categories: (1) Administrative…

The authors describe program organization and teaching/learning procedures which can be employed in the remediation of mildly to severely handicapped students. Following an introductory chapter, Chapter 2 describes ways to manage educational resources such as time, aides, support staff, and student teachers to maximize learning. A brief third…

The technology revolution is causing changes in faculty roles and debates over the implications for institutions. This Critical Issue Bibliography (CRIB) Sheet describes resources related to educational technology in the higher education classroom, highlighting changing faculty role, implementation within different disciplines, and faculty…

This fact sheet provides an overview of the potential effects of new communications technologies on education. The topics which are addressed include: (1) examples of communications technologies including television, teletext and viewdata, Instructional Television Fixed Service and Multipoint Distribution Services, videodiscs, direct broadcast…

Technology alone will not improve educational quality, but when integrated with curriculum and instruction, it is a powerful tool. This digest reviews how educators can evaluate technology-based curriculum materials for use in classrooms. Authenticity is key to evaluating technology-based curriculum materials. To promote authenticity, learning…

Distance education is an alternative method for delivering academic course work to students unable to attend traditional campus-based classes. This Digest presents information on the many forms of distance education and keys to successful teaching with distance education. Distance education is a method of education in which the learner is…

This digest summarizes research on teaching special needs students relative to the concerns of K-12 science teachers. Guidelines for instituting inclusive policies and practices are presented. Strategies for preparing science classroom materials and adapting teaching methods for students with physical and learning disabilities are also discussed,…

The educational applications of technology are many and varied, including use as an educational delivery method and an instructional tool. However, technology is often introduced without much thought, and it changes rapidly. Technology can have the following effects: improve educational attainment and skill development; reduce educational…

This digest explores media options as they relate to instructional design for distance education, because the function and design of each medium needs to be understood, if it is to lead to learning. It also describes other types of delivery media used in the history of distance learning before online learning programs: print, radio and telephone,…

This digest briefly reviews connections among the literature on the adoption of innovations, technology integration, and the value of reflection in encouraging educators to explore the integration of new educational technologies into their current teaching practices. An approach to prompting reflection is described, which uses structured guidance…

Effective teaching at a distance is more the result of preparation than innovation. The distance educator can employ a number of strategies focusing on planning, student understanding, interaction, and teaching to ensure a successfully delivered course. This digest discusses six topics in teaching at a distance: (1) What's Different about Distance…