Presents the Executive Summary of a report commissioned by the Software Publishers Association to summarize educational technology research conducted from 1990 through 1997. Conclusions are discussed in terms of general findings, effect on student achievement and motivation/self-concept, and effectiveness of interactions involving educators and…

Defines computer conferencing as teaching that involves students performing their learning activities in shared (networked) computer workplaces. Asserts that lecturing does not ensure learning, nor is it effective in showing students how to learn independently. Presents computer conferencing as a practical way to merge instructivism and…

Describes the Instructional Technology Project (ITP) at Floyd College (Georgia), a two-year school where every student must lease a laptop computer to access CD-ROMs and the Internet. Focuses on issues such as how the laptops are used and Internet research. Argues against a total virtual education and assesses the contribution of the laptops. (CMK)

This article shares how four students with severe disabilities in one Kentucky classroom achieved a "distinguished" rating, the highest rating, on their alternate portfolios by using the IntelliKeys keyboard as an alternative computer input device for the production of the alternate portfolio. It discusses tips for customizing IntelliKeys…

Describes online mentoring, or "telementoring" relationships, and how they differ from traditional mentoring, apprenticeship, and tutoring. Discusses the design and use of a telementored curriculum unit in middle school science and provides a set of general guidelines to aid teachers and administrators in designing and carrying out their own…

Addresses: (1) distance learning as a strategy for educational access; (2) nontraditional students as traditional distance learners; (3) asynchronous distance learning; (4) synchronous distance learning; (5) access as a necessary but insufficient measure of opportunity; (6) using technology wisely and well; (7) eclectic learning opportunities for…

Offers points to consider when deciding whether to begin a full-scale campus portal project. Discusses approaches for creating campus portals; implementation strategies; barriers to implementation; and the potential ability of portals to extend the academic experience beyond the classroom to create 21st century learning communities. (AEF)

Presents basic questions for schools to consider in deciding between late and early adoption of new curriculum systems. Outlines rules of thumb for setting up contracts for new Web-based technologies. Suggests that good planning in the initial stages will ameliorate most of the problems that can occur. Concludes with two additional guidelines:…

Describes steps in the timeline for the Winona Area (Minnesota) Public School District's annual summer technology academy, with tips for success. The steps are presented according to how far in advance they should occur, from pre-planning six to eight months in advance to the first day of class. (AEF)

Describes an interdisciplinary art activity that aims to improve students' mathematics vocabularies and their drawing and computer skills. Focuses on the painting style of Stuart Davis, whose artworks included words. Students create their artworks using the Painting Document of ClarisWorks. (CMK)

Discusses the future of social studies education in the electronic age of knowledge and distributed intelligence, focusing on: technology as teacher (the Internet as educator and Internet research); technological realities (computer availability, computer adequacy, Internet access, and software); the teacher (teacher training and support staff);…

This article describes a motion video CD-ROM program designed to assist youth with severe disabilities in the selection of job preferences. Traditional vocational interest inventories for individuals with disabilities and video and CD-ROM career exploration programs for typical youth are presented, then the specialized CD-ROM program is described.…

Explores prospective social studies teachers' use of online reflective journals. Discusses the content of the journals in terms of four categories: social science, technical, pedagogical, and procedural. Includes typical and unique journal entries. Considers the classroom implications of technology as a reflective tool. (CMK)

Analyzes national survey data on children's differential access to computers at home and school, noting varying conditions that affect how children experience computers. In 1998, over 75 percent of children had access to computers at school, though computer experiences differed by socioeconomic status. Poorer students had significantly less access…

Describes the development and implementation of a World Wide Web-based electronic evaluation system for the internal medicine residency program at the University of Minnesota. Features include automatic entry of evaluations by faculty or students into a database, compliance tracking, reminders, extensive reporting capabilities, automatic…