Introducing science inquiry early in young children's education is imperative, and providing opportunities for conducting investigations that develop process skills can lay a foundation for later learning. Combining inquiry-based instruction with appropriate technology allows the students to explore, reason, test, and revise their ideas about…

Considers the current trend in libraries toward live, or digital, reference services. Highlights include models for reference, including synchronous versus asynchronous; benefits for users; software packages; user expectations; suitability of the technology; and determining the best service for users and their information needs. (LRW)

Discusses the use of minimum levels of technology, or technological minimalism, for Web-based multimedia course content. Highlights include cost effectiveness; problems with video streaming, the use of XML for Web pages, and Flash and Java applets; listservs instead of proprietary software; and proper faculty training. (LRW)

Describes the design and installation of an Internet gopher server to support classroom instruction and professional development projects in a graduate college of education. Topics include use by administrators, selecting the most appropriate technology, hardware and software selection, and informational resources of the gopher. (Author/LRW)

Provides an overview of technology solutions for young children who have developmental concerns. Discusses the rationale for developmentally appropriate assistive technology and the use of high-tech computer-based solutions. Issues related to selecting appropriate hardware and software applications and a review of play-based software options are…

Discussion of electronic mail and computer-mediated communication focuses on local bulletin board systems (BBSs) that run on microcomputers. Uses in education and businesses are described, computer requirements and costs are outlined, bulletin board software is discussed, and echo networking is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

Discusses the experiential learning and arts-based approach of the Lab School of Washington, DC, and describes projects that use technology as a valuable tool in teaching students with learning disabilities. Teaching approaches using the computer and specific software are matched with characteristics of learning disabilities and…

Economic arguments for the adoption of "open source" software in business have been widely discussed. In this paper we draw on personal experience in the UK, South Africa and Southeast Asia to forward compelling reasons why open source software should be considered as an appropriate and affordable alternative to the currently prevailing…

Presents six trends and challenges facing educational technology: (1) increasing differentiation between education and training; (2) private sector (industrial) developments; (3) increasing politicization in education; (4) rapid growth in continuing professional education; (5) informal education replacing formal education; and (6) hardware…

Six articles on computers in libraries discuss training librarians and staff to use new software; appropriate technology; system upgrades of the Research Libraries Group's information system; pre-IBM PC microcomputers; multiuser systems for small to medium-sized libraries; and a library user's view of the traditional card catalog. (EM)

Is computer usage appropriate for young children? The manner in which the computer is used can benefit the child, have no effect whatsoever, or actually be detrimental to the child's academic and personal growth. Specific conditions can be instituted to assure that young children benefit from their exposure to or interaction with technology. How…

Discussion of the introduction of computers into African countries for social and economic purposes focuses on the use of computers in schools in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Topics discussed include obtaining hardware and software; training needs; the adoption process; teacher attitudes; and possible futures of computers. (54 references) (LRW)