Discusses interactive fiction (IF), a computer-based form of literature in which the reader plays the part of an important character and makes decisions affecting story outcomes. Finds that IF, with its orientation toward problem solving, encourages systematic, consciously planned metathinking, and engages students' interest. (SR)

Learning objects are digital content that can be used and reused for teaching and learning. They are modular, flexible, portable, transferable (interoperable) and accessible. Learning objects may be used to teach a particular skill or concept, or to provide stimulating thinking and learning experiences for the teacher or student. A learning…

Describes several new Internet features for classroom use, including two documents answering frequently asked user and technical guidance questions, a Voice of America international news service, America Online's trial inclusion of Gopher and Wide Area Information Server (WAIS) databases, a help file for Windows users, and a USENET e-mail news…

Examines the planning, policy, and organizational approaches taken by the United States and the Netherlands to use the computer as an administrative tool. Discusses applications in these countries to manage school finances, personnel data, administrative offices, plant operations, support services, and student data and implementation suggestions.…

Describes how two Southern California school systems use computer technology within the central district office and the local school sites. Cost benefits include eliminating some paper shuffling between offices, reducing inputting redundancies, immediately accessible information, and more information accuracy. Includes 24 references. (MLH)

Examines pedagogical advantages and limitations of the Internet for teaching French grammar, and shows how these factors were taken into consideration in creating a Web site at the University of Alberta (Canada), with special emphasis on the integration of exchanges between learners, and exchanges between learners and the virtual francophone…

The article discusses concerns of producers and users of computer software for those with special needs, reviews current research findings and projects, and reports on a survey of special educators (N=22) that identifies characteristics of desirable software. (Author/DB)

Explores the unique reading strategies needed for the World Wide Web. Considers additions needed in the repertoire of teaching reading strategies when computers are the medium. Argues that Internet technology has had a significant impact upon reading strategies, resulting in a need to reshape thinking about classroom reading practices. (SG)

Describes the guide to technology resources and evaluations of information technology innovation for higher education institutions that is available on the Web or in a printed version published by EDUCAUSE. Offers information on four key areas: academic experience; administrative experience; social experience, including computer access, and…

Describes cable modem technology (i.e., an external device that facilitates high-speed access to the Internet via the same network configuration employed for cable television). Examples of cable field trials carried out in collaboration with educational user communities are presented, and cable technical capabilities, advantages, and constraints…

Using computers only for word processing, drill-and-practice, and computer literacy wastes expensive technology. After allocating funds for computers, the Shawnee Mission (Kansas) School District established a study team to investigate district computer use and develop an integrated system. Success depended on planning, commitment, training,…

Examined the positive and negative aspects of using computers to teach writing within a context of intensive teacher and peer feedback and support for fifth- and sixth- year Montessori students. Found that technology enhanced the writing process for creative, collaborative work and for peer response and editing. (KB)

The paper describes the application of a computer-assisted writing program in a special high school for learning disabled and dyslexic students and reports on a study of the program's effectiveness. Particular advantages of the Macintosh Computer for such a program are identified including use of the mouse pointing tool, graphic icons to identify…

As technical compatibility standards have become critical in business and industrial computing, educational software interoperability is rapidly becoming an issue for users and developers of educational information systems. New interoperability initiatives are under way in library automation, higher education information services, and K-12…

Discusses the increase of Internet access for K-12 education and the difference between knowledge and information. Provides an example of a student research project using the Internet and describes a 13-step process for knowledge-making. Suggests interpretation and application of information sources on the Internet is crucial. (AEF)