The school library profession has begun to develop a reputation for tech-savviness. Several school librarians are nationally recognized technology leaders and present at conferences where instructional technology is at the forefront. Unfortunately, while school librarians have done a wonderful job of marketing their technological expertise in the…

This commentary describes an action research project conducted by selected staff at the Northern Valley Regional High School District in New Jersey. The project focused on the idea of developing a synchronous classroom to provide world language learning opportunities to students. Relevant research is provided as are ideas regarding logistics and…

This article presents an interview with Chere Campbell Gibson, a professor emerita in the School of Human Ecology and graduate program in Continuing and Vocational Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Gibson shares her years of experience in distance education, discusses her book titled "Distance Learners in Higher Education:…

This paper discusses the relevance of e-learning in the position of distance education in Nigeria. It commences by discussing the meaning of e-learning and distance education. It also discusses the historical background of distance education in Nigeria as well as the operations of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as the first federal…

Current investigations in the Computers and Music group in the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo are detailed. New instructional methods and applications are described and proposed that take advantage of microcomputers to improve and enhance the teaching and learning of music. (MP)

An Oregon high-school principal facilitated teachers' development of a student-run technology company to provide Internet access to the community and all district schools. A cadre of students now trains teaching and support staff to use technology and the Internet. Administrative risk taking made the difference. (MLH)

Given the abundance of open education initiatives that aim to make educational assets freely available online, the time seems ripe to explore the potential of open education to transform the economics and ecology of education. Despite the diversity of tools and resources already available--from well-packaged course materials to simple games, for…

The second educational technology review panel addressed problems with forecasting the trends and impact of newer telecomunications technologies in both home and institution of higher education settings, and the role of several grant programs in educational technology. Paul Mertins provided an update on a National Center for Education Statistics…

Using the analogy of the theater, considers the computer's "role" in the "dramas" in which students engage. Illustrates some of these roles in operation in the Maricopa Community College District (Arizona) and addresses issues raised by the infusion of technology into the tracking process. (DMM)

Describes the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program. GLOBE is a worldwide network of teachers and students representing over 6,500 schools in more than 75 countries. It is an excellent vehicle for learning a foreign language while exploring science, mathematics, social studies, and technology, providing a…

Some procedures for an inservice education program on computers are proposed. The program goal is to bring teachers to understand the microcomputer as a tool-making technology that asks people to learn how to teach it to do something. An inservice syllabus is presented in the form of a program. (MP)

Educators are successfully incorporating electronic mail into elementary and secondary classrooms. This paper refers to an article by Hugh Barr which describes a variety of instructional programs that use electronic mail as part of the social studies curriculum. Barr notes that essential components of interschool e-mail are purpose, structure, and…

Given the constraints on educational development, the author sees the introduction of educational technology (broadly defined) as the only course for improving conditions. He describes a practical example in the Hungarian National Center for Educational Technology, which has broad functions in research and development, dissemination, and teacher…

Curriculum needs can be identified and curriculum developed using the instructional design process. A fictional scenario and instructional design components are provided for those educators interested in incorporating virtual reality into the curriculum. Sample items of questionnaires are appended. (AEF)

Discusses how the National Information Infrastructure (NII), the "information superhighway," can be used in classrooms to help reach the targets established by the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Describes specific projects undertaken by schools to utilize the NII, and the role of computer technology in the classroom. (MDM)