We explain in this article the need for board training in rural America irrespective of industry or government sector. We discuss how an assessment of training needs has led to the launch of a new project called the National Board Basics Curriculum (NBBC) project. In this project, we have identified four key core competencies that every board…

As Internet technology encroached on the public school classroom about a decade ago, Kim Ross, superintendent of the Houston School District in Houston, Minnesota, saw an opportunity. At first, he and his administrative team simply wanted to offer students in the district of 1,300 access to more classes via the web than what a district that size…

The presentation will trace the experiences of two program directors from Walden University and their examination of issues involved with faculty assessment. Their experiences were used to create a simple but effective and workable model for faculty assessment and development. Once a presentation of how data were obtained, and analyzed, to create…

Outlines four components of the use of high technology that have put Minnesota public schools at the forefront of educational technology. These include: computerized classrooms, microwave classes, cable television classes, and a technology busmobile. (MD)

Supported by its local school board and unimpeded by innovation-blocking rules and regulations, the Minnesota New Country Charter School launched a nationally recognized program featuring a course-free structure, individualized learning, and an emphasis on technology. This charter school has helped stimulate improvements in the other district…

Discusses the evolution of the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC), an organization which undertakes the supportive service of encouraging instructional computing activity in schools and colleges throughout the state. MECC's role in developing a statewide time-sharing network and in supporting large scale acquisition of…

Reports are given on the use of computers in elementary and secondary schools in five states. An analysis of the reports discusses various educational trends and implications evolving from computer use, including misapplied technology and the proper amount of learning and teaching via computers. (CJ)

Describes the use of technology at the Minnesota New Country School, a project-based, non-profit public charter secondary school. Discusses the project-based curriculum, including student self-paced projects that must relate to Minnesota's performance standards; the cooperative of teachers who provide services to the school; and personalized…

Challenges traditional methods of education and urges use of computer technology to increase learner productivity. Recommends a national program for innovative learning and advocates increased cooperation between industry and educational institutions. Suggests a Model Educational Center as a systematic approach for computerized instruction. (ML)

Describes activities at the Frost Lake (Minnesota) Magnet School of Technology that relate to global concepts including interdependence, economics, and cultural change. Projects in sixth-grade and second-grade classes are explained, and benefits of an integrated approach are discussed, including student motivation and the use of higher order…

Description of the use of Apple computers by students in Blue Earth, Minnesota, emphasizes their use by elementary students. A database management system, Computer Networking Specialist (CNS), is described, individualized instructional programs are explained, and software and teacher training are briefly discussed. (LRW)

Describes the development of the Luminet network, a community-school network in Winona, Minnesota. Highlights include the technology infrastructure; Internet access; distance learning; the development of local resources; staff development; partnerships; parent involvement; the Virtual School of Winona; and lifelong learning. (LRW)

Many advocates for children are not yet involved in decision making and planning regarding the right of all children, regardless of family income, to benefit from information technology. This Kids Count report explores critical issues about information technology and children's literacy, education, and intellectual development. The report explains…

Thirty-four faculty development programs at colleges and universities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota are described. Descriptions of the programs, which are funded by the Bush Foundation, provide a brief overview of the college involved, outline the program goals and strategies and identify a contact person. Areas addressed by the…

This monograph presents the state of the art of computer-assisted instruction for students in adult basic education (ABE), developmental education, and rehabilitation programs. The 12 articles are written by practitioners for practitioners and describe programs being provided by public schools, community colleges, libraries, volunteer agencies,…