Ohio's Model Industrial Technology Systems (MITS) project was initiated in 1987 to achieve the following: identify good activities in the areas of physical, communication, and bio-related technology; standardize the activities' format; and provide a coding system for their eventual use in a hypermedia system. To date, 220 activities have been…

Educators must adapt the way they think about change if they and their students are to see the benefits of instructional technology. This new paradigm is called systemic change, and combines general systems theory and what has traditionally been called diffusion of innovations. This paper explores some of the lessons it holds for integration of…

The range of microcomputer based applications in early childhood special education is characterized in terms of systems management, instructional management, and direct instruction. Six current issues are discussed including the need for integrated applications, instructional quality, unreasonable expectations of users, developmental…

Discusses the need for children to become fluent in logical argument and systems dynamics. Examines the "create an embedded environment and support classroom teachers with visiting experts" strategy in music and technology education. Describes the distinction between meaningless activities with computers and computer literacy. (AEF)

Presents a systematic approach for small colleges to plan effectively for the acquisition of information resources, i.e., computers and telecommunications, based on five recommendations: (1) assign task force to assess needs; (2) establish institutional goals; (3) identify the technology required to meet the goals; (4) determine financial…

This article reviews the current status of research on technology in teacher training, identifies factors that are restricting experimentation with technologies, presents a model for selecting and applying technology to program design, and addresses critical questions to be answered. (IAH)

This paper examines general systems theory as it applies to higher education institutions. Using this approach, the university is viewed as a system (comprised of subsystems) that interacts with the external environment. The first sections of the paper review general systems theory and its application to management, and examine some theoretical…

Discusses how computers mediate communication and how technology has a systemic rather than an instrumental relation with society. Argues that computers alter language structure, social relationships, space, time, and identities. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

This paper focuses on new ways of viewing the educational system by affecting change via small, initial adjustments. A number of fundamental ideas are presented that could be implemented by states, either individually or collectively, to change current educational systems into Information Age systems. Taking the cue from Chaos Theory, which states…

This opinion paper explores the use of computers in the U.S. Public Education System, concluding that technology is underutilized and not fulfilled most of the educational promises attributed to the tool. Drawing upon research and personal experience, the paper explores 8 possible reasons for the problem, including: the computer itself; not enough…

The reasons for schools' lack of leadership in using microcomputers for technological diffusion are explored in this article. General systems theory is used to examine the effects of the computer revolution on political, social, economic, and educational systems. Selected characteristics of schools and computers are offered as possible…

Computer mediated communication (CMC) tends to erase power structures because such communication somehow undermines or escapes discursive limits. Online discussions seem to promote rhetorical experimentation on the part of the participants. Finding a way to explain disparities between electronic discussion and oral discussion has proven difficult.…

For more than 20 years, Arizona's Maricopa Community College district has aggressively invested in and experimented with technology to improve teaching, learning, and the management of college and district services. However, Maricopa's leaders have acknowledged the ephemeral nature of its achievements in these areas and the need to keep…

Designing open, flexible distance learning systems on the World Wide Web requires thoughtful analysis and investigation combined with an understanding of both the Web's attributes and resources and the ways instructional design principles can be applied to tap the Web's potential. A framework for open, flexible, and distributed learning has been…

In 1997, the South West Institute of TAFE (Technical and Further Education) in Victoria, Australia, and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology jointly developed an online workplace delivery model for administrative and clerical workers. The model was aligned with national standards encompassing the formal qualifications for four certificates in…