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…

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 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…

Computers have not revolutionized social studies curricula because so few teachers use them. But research does indicate that computers are flexible instructional tools that can assist in the development of attitudes, intellectual motivation, and inquiry skills. Social studies educators need to consider expanded computer use in their classrooms…

This paper examines the Bank Street College of Education's efforts to infuse technology into all aspects of graduate teacher education. Entitled Project EXPERT (Expanding Educational Repertoire through Technology), the effort called for graduate school faculty to learn to use technology in their own classrooms and to redesign their courses,…

To dispel concerns that career education does not belong in middle school, it may help to reinterpret a career more broadly as life, not just work. Middle school students should view career paths as a broad range of options available to them. In addition, early career education may help to dispel sex-role stereotypes and self-limiting practices of…