Originally, blogs served as personal journaling tools. Recently, blogs have facilitated the formation of online communities and have thus expanded to more extensive uses in education. Little has been learned about using blogs as a collaboration tool in educational contexts. In this article, the authors share their experiences with using blogs to…

In Fall 2000, when "Theory and Research in Social Education" (TRSE) first dedicated an issue to technologies in social studies education, Neil Postman contributed a View Point piece to this issue. Postman, who died in 2003, was an interesting choice because he was an outspoken critic of educational technology who believed that, as he said at the…

Necessary and appropriate ways in which the microcomputer can and should be used in the preservice preparation of science teachers are presented. The use of microcomputers as instructional tools, as professional and personal tools, and as curriculum development tools are discussed. (KR)

This work deals with the need of introducing modern aspects of communication on higher education of future teachers using information and communication technologies. The emphasis is put on the importance for future teachers to have basic information science knowledge and skills and their preparations for using ICT. A growth of the number of…

Virtual field trips offer a new way for teachers and students to visit historical sites and museums. Most notably, virtual field trips provide access to places that normally would be impossible for classrooms to visit, and this, in turn, provides a plethora of learning possibilities for the classroom. Why should teachers consider creating a…

Professional development opportunities must offer a learning environment that creates a nurturing, creative, successful atmosphere for the learners. Instructional design models, learning styles, and technology implementation strategies impact this supportive environment. This paper discusses the importance of such a learning environment for…

Types of computer training received by teachers at the preservice and inservice levels are described. Linkages between technology use and the instructional process are considered. Recommendations are made concerning future courses of action in the area of technology training for teachers. (IAH)

Input from constructivist scholars and science teachers helps develop future biologists and biology teachers who better understand scientific investigation through their development and use of investigative software, as well as through laboratory and field activities. (SM)

The ongoing debate over the difference between education and training may soon become totally irrelevant as research continues to suggest increased learning potential, irrespective of discipline, when computer technology is incorporated within learning environments. At the postsecondary level, where adults are amassing and assimilating huge…

Describes computer-assisted activities used in the University of Michigan's teacher education program (computer conferencing and an interactive educational software package). The article discusses what the applications convey about the teaching and learning process, what they communicate about teacher knowledge, and what kind of educational future…

Discusses technology-related competencies for teacher education programs, noting the difficulties inherent in defining computer literacy and examining the results of surveys of practicing teachers' use of and opinions about technology. The article proposes three minimal instructional technology competencies and offers suggestions for evaluating…

This report summarizes a study undertaken to determine and describe a "generic" set of microcomputer competencies that should be possessed by all professional secondary school personnel and a more "specialized" set of microcomputer competencies that are expected to be possessed by secondary school professionals who work intimately with…

Several models for preparing preservice and inservice teachers to use microcomputers in science teaching are described. A summary of research on the topic is included. A list of competencies needed by teachers to use microcomputers in teaching is provided. Recommendations for implementing computers in teacher education are suggested. (CW)

This paper argues that over time, future teachers will be offered and participate in more developed forms of professional development than is currently expected. The professional development will be significantly based on their own and local schools, and online electronic communication will be an important aspect of this increasingly international…

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)