To help alleviate the struggle in choosing effective apps to use in the classroom, Taylor Harrison presents a list of qualities supported by research, that teachers can use to discern at a glance whether an app can potentially be an effective learning tool for their students. This list of qualities was produced through an extensive review of…

Parents and caregivers are a child's first teachers. The Families Learning Across Boundaries (FamLAB) Project surveyed 407 library professionals, 1,550 parents, and 600 pre-K through grade 8 teachers in the United States about how they support 3-12-year-old children's learning in their communities. This two-page tipsheet provides some…

In 2011, with support from a federal Investing in Innovation grant, the NYC Department of Education launched Innovate NYC Schools. The initiative was designed to address two, related challenges to effectively integrating education technology (ed-tech) into classrooms: First, procurement of ed-tech tools is often hampered by a disconnect between…

Discusses the use of microcomputers at a middle school in Wayland, Mass., including activities in the computer room and formal computer instruction in grade six. Also discusses rationale for approaches taken, such as working with a variety of microcomputers and computer use in different subject areas. (JN)

This is a general information document describing the Hertfordshire Computer Managed Mathematics Project funded over a four-year period by the National Development Programme in Computer Assisted Learning. Its aims were to develop a two-year course for all-ability 11-to 13-year-old pupils and to implement a computer system to serve the course. This…

Describes a partnership between a middle school and a community-based retirement center in which middle school students taught senior citizens computer skills. Discusses the pedagogical value of the program in creating learning activities that students found functional. (JPB)

An effort to implement a schoolwide innovation concerning computer applications begun in the English Department of the Hauppauge Middle School on Long Island, New York, is described. The program was proposed and implemented through a series of meetings, discussions, workshops, and orientations for teachers and administrators. English teachers, who…

A grant-funded program to use computers to develop thinking skills in gifted sixth- and seventh-grade students is described. Students learn to apply different types of thinking, use different types of software, and develop their own programs and programs for teachers in other classes. (PGD)

This paper describes a 6-month bi-weekly Saturday program that was sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta (BMA) under their Project Success initiative. Project Success is a program that allows inner-city middle and high school students to be mentored by members of 100 BMA and volunteering college students. The program community consisted of one…

Describes creating a middle school literacy approach that combines teaming and exploratory experiences with a technology-based intervention. Considers classroom environment, the literacy workshop, the Peabody Learning Lab software, evaluation, multi-media projects, teacher support, and assessment. (JPB)

This document summarizes the work of the Math Curriculum Project at San Francisco State University. The project developed seven curriculum units for the middle school mathematics program, using microcomputers as a problem solving tool to foster mathematical thinking and develop insights into mathematical concepts. They also created a prototype…

Describes a pilot project in Philadelphia which introduced seventh- and eighth-grade minority students to computers as a means of building their self-confidence and encouraging them to pursue careers in engineering and computer science. Includes partial course outline, evaluation methods, and tips for success. (DC)

This booklet, developed for persons interested in exemplary programs to improve vocational guidance and counseling, reviews currently funded projects in the field of vocational guidance. The document contains abstracts from 39 exemplary projects in vocational guidance and counseling in the state of Virginia. Included are abstracts from 7 projects…

Explores the educational possibilities inherent in combining Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) with communications technology. A MIDI system (a combination synthesizer and computer) allows students to compose, record, experiment, and correct at one site. A MIDI file can be sent via e-mail to others for comments. (MJP)

A cooperative program conducted by the Logan (Utah) City School District and IBM Corporation used computers in the classroom to develop new teaching and career guidance approaches while enhancing students' process writing skills. The program included units designed for student and teacher awareness of the impacts of technology, the need for a new…