Enhanced magnetic strip cards and "smart cards" offer varied service options to college students. Enhanced magnetic strip cards serve as cash cards and provide access to services. Smart cards, which resemble credit cards but contain a microchip, can be used as phone cards, bus passes, library cards, admission tickets, point-of-sale debit…

Discusses the change from a teacher-centered approach when computers were first used in the classroom to a learner-centered approach. Highlights each of six articles presented in this special issue that explore the issues related to using the computer as a tool to learning with, rather than to learn from. (AEF)

Focuses on how geographic information systems (GIS) software can be used to help simplify the integration of math and science. Discusses the importance of an integrated mathematics and science model, and how GIS can be used to help unite the two disciplines. Provides a lesson plan for teachers using GIS. (AEF)

Examines how educational technology's architecture preempts policy decisions, discussing filtering, copyright, and password protection. Outlines four aspects of technology that must be understood before crafting policy: (1) identify critical issues; (2) anticipate vicarious results; (3) explore the range of policies; (4) consider stakeholders'…

Suggests that to best appreciate technology, one should be able to leap between aesthetic and technological mindsets, between poetry and computers. Illustrates how the inevitable breakdowns in technologically-assisted learning can be used as opportunities to "flex one's creativity." (AEF)

Explains the origins and growth of distance education, the media used, type of students it attracts, and identifies advantages and disadvantages of utilizing distance education. Gives a brief profile of distance education in the United States. (AEF)

Lists steps to follow when planning a course online: assess needs and necessary conditions to satisfy them; estimate development cost, effort, and implications; plan the virtual classroom; design the virtual classroom; prepare and distribute contents; enable communication; implement online student assessment methods; implement class management…

Describes "QUEST", an Internet resource developed by The British Natural History Museum to stimulate young children's interest in science. (Author)

Describes two value-added technologies, Virtual Counselor and Wireless Web, which can allow student financial aid offices to improve the information services they offer to students and their families. (EV)

Examines issues related to the role of home computers and how they may contribute to learning at school by students and the role parents can and should play. Recommends further research in this area, particularly in Alberta, where the mandatory implementation of an integrated approach to technology curriculum is beginning. (Author/LRW)

Examines the experiences of three school districts that provide effective, district-wide staff development on teaching with technology, embracing three major concepts: delivering staff development in a variety of ways, having teachers teach teachers, and using technology-based lesson plans, instructional units, and other teaching tools (often…

Discusses implications for educational policy drawn from the report "The Nation's Report Card: Mathematics 2000." One finding may support the inclusion of special needs students in assessments. Implications for the use of educational technology focus on the use of computers and calculators in instruction and assessment. (SLD)

Describes the characteristics of guerrilla warriors and explains their tactics. Then discusses how these tactics can be successfully adopted by faculty development specialists attempting to promote the use of instructional technology among faculty members teaching in the higher education environment. (EV)

Questions the emphasis and expenditures on computers as valuable learning tools in schools, especially in libraries. Discusses the importance of personal interaction with teachers; the need for social skills; and the importance of supporting strong library print collections to encourage reading and literacy. (LRW)

Promotes the provision of interfaces that allow users to access most of the functionality of existing graphical user interfaces (GUI) using speech. Uses the design of a speech control tool that incorporates speech recognition and synthesis into existing packaged software such as Teletext, the Internet, or a word processor. (Contains 22…