What is environment? The answer to this question is fundamental to how we teach environmental studies and sciences (ESS). We follow recent scholarly literature in approaching environment as connection, not as some category of reality, and consider pedagogical implications via concept mapping, a new learning technology. Concept maps potentially…

In this article, the author shares challenges of teaching writing in a virtual classroom. One of the challenges of online education--the often-asynchronous nature--also holds one of the strengths: the opportunity for a lesson to continue long after the classroom closes. The author's experiences online offer ways to rethink meanings of youth…

The use of content-based language instruction (CBI) offers an innovative and effective method for teaching core geographic concepts and skills while students study a second language. This article focuses on a collaborative initiative developed and tested by university and high school level geography and second-language educators. The goal of the…

Although well intentioned, Oregon's Certificate of Initial Mastery Plan offers no apprenticeship programs for non-college-bound students. In contrast, Japan's Oita Media Technology High School and Hita Rinko High School of Forestry exemplify the nation's longstanding focus on technical education and industry-specific trade schools. The new…

Rapidly increasing capabilities and decreasing costs are making microcomputers ever more likely to find a significant role in education. Already valuable as management tools, the computers have shortcomings as instructional aids largely due to lack of adequate software. Rapidly increasing demand could provoke dramatic improvements in software in…

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 electronic messaging in elementary and junior high schools in Canada and the United States. Highlights include differences between electronic mail, bulletin board services, and computer mediated conferencing; the role of the teachers; equipment and telephone line considerations; and costs. (LRW)

Examines how school libraries are using the microcomputer as educational media (computer-assisted instruction, educational games) and library management tools (database management systems and word processing). Four innovative programs in Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, and Oregon are profiled. Additional resources on microcomputer applications and…

The 1997 Oregon Technology Plan sets a course for Oregon and its Department of Education in using technology to improve student learning, manage resources, and increase accountability. It supports the integration of instructional and administrative technology to help achieve the goals of Oregon's school improvement plan. The Goals of the…

This project was conducted to develop and validate an evaluation instrument for computer programs with application in vocational education. The project consisted of six components: (1) review of existing evaluation models for educational computer software; (2) development of the evaluation instrument: (3) testing the evaluation instrument; (4)…

Because there is no "right" way to do assessment, vocational evaluation, or employability development planning, a variety of strategies and tools are used by agencies that best match agency resources and client needs. One common tool used by Lane County CETA, Jackson-Josephine Job Council, and Mid-Willamette Valley Consortium (all in…

This handbook of promising practices in Oregon career and vocational education contains descriptions of 46 practices in the areas of career awareness, career exploration, career preparation, and career specialization. Practices are reported according to the following format: topic, intended users, purpose, available products, resources needed, and…