A rationale for introducing computers in early childhood education in Hong Kong is presented. Findings from a survey of computer use in preschools, and case studies of preschools in which children use computers but do not achieve desired results, provide the background for this discussion. Arguments advanced for the use of computers concern…

Discusses ten ways that technology is being oversold and the implications for educators at all levels. Argues that while technology is considered a useful tool, sales tactics that stir fears of being antiquated and promise instant access to information, group participation, worldwide contacts, and time and money savings are misleading. (JPB)

Although printed in 1970, "Teaching Children Thinking" was conceived in 1968 and bears the signs of the heady atmosphere of that time. The most explicit idea in "Teaching Children Thinking" is that children could be in charge of computers, not computers in charge of the children by offering what was the new image of children…

The practice of weblogging--or "blogging," as it is popularly known--has gone through a series of growth spurts during the past four years. At present, a weblog is best defined as "a website that is updated frequently, with new material posted at the top of the page" (Blood, 2002b). Two recent developments, in particular,…

Three major barriers have limited the successful use of technology in education: the installed base of computers is inadequate; good educational software is lacking; and teachers have had little or no computer education or training. Recommendations are provided for overcoming these stumbling blocks. (JDD)

Maintains that computer software and Internet exploration introduce playful elements into learning. Discusses the implications of "edutainment," a technologically mediated learning/enjoyment combination of experiences. Suggests that school may no longer be the primary site for learning but that teachers may need to reevaluate their…

This article presents an open letter to the Professional Communities of Australian Council for Computers in Education (ACCE). In preparing for this article, the author looked back over the contributions of other fellows in publications and ACCE Minutes, and recognized that each had led the ACCE family in this endeavor. Creating direction was the…

Reports on what actually happened with the role of the computer, the quality of math education, and curricular change in 2000. (KHR)

Discusses gender discrepancy in classroom computer access and use; suggests strategies to minimize gender biases. Argues that gender differences in computer usage are due to biased classroom practices, lack of female role models, home computer gender gaps, and scarcity of bias-free software. Maintains that increased teacher/parent awareness,…

Since computers were first introduced into early childhood educational settings, much debate has centered on the issue of appropriateness. This paper takes issue with a number of often cited reasons for not including computers in preschool, and advances a theoretical base for computer use in early childhood. The paper also offers a review of…

This paper is a summary of a "how to" workshop, focusing on design guidelines when moving from an onsite course to an online course. Three most basic considerations are content knowledge, pedagogical skill, and higher-order thinking dispositions. Transferring content to an online environment requires technological expertise, and…

Presents a response to David Solomon's paper "Toward a Post-Modern Agenda in Instructional Technology" (issue 48 number 4 page 5 of "Educational Technology Research and Development"), by offering an example of how postmodern perspectives can be used in instructional technology research and development. (Contains 43 references.) (AEF)

Discusses conditions under which computers may be used effectively in elementary schools and provides examples of how these conditions may be achieved. Includes advocating for integration of technology into curricula in environments characterized by active learning, inquiry, and problem-solving where higher-order thinking skills are promoted.…

In 2002 the members of the National Technology Leadership Initiative (NTLI) framed seven conclusions relating to handheld computers and ubiquitous computing in schools. While several of the conclusions are laudable efforts to increase research and professional development, the factual and conceptual bases for this document are seriously flawed.…

Presents evidence that early and primary school learning exhibits features that previously were thought typical of adult learners only. Reconceptualizes child-centered primary education in light of theories on expertise, conceptual change, and epistemological development. Explores a theoretical approach to learning called progressive inquiry…