Media specialists are working hard to get schools up to speed in the 21st century--teaching information literacy skills to students, helping teachers use technology, and harnessing Web-based tools such as blogs and wikis to enhance learning. However, the same educators report that limited funds hamper their ability to make good on these plans. An…

This article discusses how a school in Minnesota centralized its computer program into a lab situation taught by a teacher-computer specialist. Entire classes were instructed in word processing, programing with Logo, and modified drill and practice. Teachers were also involved in workshops to further computer literacy. (DF)

Describes a program designed to integrate new technology into the junior high school curriculum with emphasis on the role of the media specialist. Five steps are detailed: (1) needs assessment; (2) planning with teacher input how to fill student needs; (3) teacher training; (4) implementation; and (5) evaluation. (9 references) (MES)

Discusses methods that software evaluation organizations use to evaluate instructional software. Topics addressed include who does the evaluating, including the role of students as well as teachers, subject matter experts, media specialists, and school administrators; reliability of evaluations; and possible improvements in the evaluation process.…

The Internet's unique scope, characteristics and potential make it a vehicle for media specialists to model good use of information technology and provide far-reaching instructional leadership in schools. This article focuses on approaches to Web site selection, supervision, and staff development for effective use of the Internet in schools. (AEF)

This column is a collaborative effort by library media specialists and K-16 educators who write about the motivational strategies that have worked for them in teaching information literacy (IL) skills. Motivational strategies include ways to gain and sustain attention, increase relevance for learning IL skills, build confidence in students'…

Describes the Instructional Media Center (IMC) at South Dakota State University. Highlights include its mission and goals; staff--professional, career service employees and student assistants; four service groups--instructional technologies, media production, instructional telecommunications, and media resources; budget; and successes. (AEF)

Abstracts describe five research projects which investigated a library-based computer-assisted writing program; high school library media specialists with exemplary programs; the impact of access to an academic library via online catalog for college bound students; transferability of library research skills from high school to college; and the…

In an effort to improve the student literacy, a school district in Mississippi implemented the semantic-mapping or cognitive-mapping approach, using the Thinking Networks for Reading and Writing package which provides software, text activities, and semantic maps. Library media specialists played a major role in the project as teacher-trainers,…

Considers how computer technology is affecting classrooms and school libraries. Examples of elementary and secondary school uses of computers in California classrooms are given; teacher education for use of the World Wide Web is described; and the role of teachers and library media specialists is discussed. (LRW)

Discusses the American Association of School Librarian's technology initiative, ICONnect. Components include the following: online courses on Internet use in schools; curriculum connections, providing links to resources and projects; KidsConnect, a question-answering/help/referral service for K-12; ICPrize, rewarding collaborative teams of…

Presents a framework to help media specialists and other educators facilitate the process of integrating computer technology and the Internet into classroom instruction and curriculum design. Highlights include planning, including concept maps; research, including critical thinking; development, including knowledge construction and higher-order…

Discusses middle school students' hypermedia projects using IBM's "Linkway" that are developed with students, teachers, and the library media specialist. Assessment in the areas of presentation, cooperative learning skills, computer skills, and knowledge is described, and the development of scoring rubrics is explained. (LRW)

Discussion of the use of technology in primary grades focuses on a pilot project in the Orchard Park (New York) elementary schools that used computers to teach a nonfiction unit for English language arts, focusing on the New York State learning standards. Describes the role of school library media specialists and benefits to students. (LRW)

Describes an award-winning multidisciplinary, multimedia unit on Native Americans that was developed through participation in the Earthwatch Institute programs. Explains the Earthwatch program; collaboration between library media specialists and classroom teachers; and use of The Big6 process for information problem solving and the development of…