Freed from the nuisances of paper-based methods, districts are making creative use of digital tools to move their curricular documents online, where educators can collaborate on course development and lesson planning. Back in 2003, Amarillo Independent School District (Texas) had begun using the Blackboard Content System to provide lessons online.…

In many classrooms, movies are a special occasion--a tool that creative teachers intersperse with regular lessons to supplement the everyday curriculum and make learning fun. At the nine school districts served by the Monroe 2-Orleans Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in Spencerport, New York, movies are becoming part of the…

In this article, top technologists and educators offer exclusive, unique insights into the most innovative and powerful ways to use technology to motivate students and teachers, and perhaps reinvent the world. The author also reveals what are, according to Alan Kay, one of the earliest pioneers in educational technology, the five secrets of…

Describes ED's Oasis, a multifunction Web site funded by the AT&T Foundation, through the AT&T Learning Network program, and developed by a team of educators to help teachers use the Internet with their students. Examples are given of various possible uses, including designing interdisciplinary units. (LRW)

Describes initiatives taken by the Turkish Ministry of Education to promote computer literacy and the use of computers in schools, from 1984 through 1994. Evaluation indicates that in Turkey's high schools, computer education is still in the early stages of development. Major problem areas are lack of financial resources, lack of appropriate…

Describes development of a multimedia courseware package available on videodisc and CD-ROM for use in teaching cultural awareness and diversity. This interactive package uses role-playing questions and answers and discussion. (JKP)

Discusses the integration of technology into elementary and secondary school classrooms based on experiences at the Jerome Joint School District (Idaho). Topics include having the curriculum drive technology use, student motivation, student computer literacy, relating technology skills to content areas and classroom assignments, and incorporating…

Discusses the use of virtual reality as an educational tool. Highlights include examples of virtual reality in public schools that lead to a more active learning process, simulated environments, integrating virtual reality into any curriculum, benefits to teachers and students, and overcoming barriers to implementation. (LRW)

Explains a Vermont Web project that incorporated multimedia technology into K-12 curriculum and describes an evaluation that measured the impact of the project on student achievement. Describes evaluation methods used and concludes that teachers should emphasize metacognitive skills, application of skills, and inquiry learning as they incorporate…

Discusses the integration of the Internet at Eagan High School (Minnesota). Highlights include the Internet for Minnesota's Schools (InforMNs) Project; connectivity; and using the Internet in specific disciplines, including English (and history, politics, etc.), work experience, foreign language, and business law and science. A sidebar discusses…

Describes a school which brought technology online gradually and, after five years, offered a wide range of state-of-the-art technologies for faculty, staff, and students. New program implementation, faculty inservice projects, funding, and attitude changes are discussed; and examples of student projects are presented. (SLW)

Discussion of the use of technology in schools focuses on a plan developed by the Nobelsville (Indiana) schools in cooperation with Indiana Bell. Highlights include decision-making criteria for the use of technology; policy; defining responsibilities; coordination; standards; program planning model; curriculum development; management; staff…

Presents highlights of abstracts submitted for the 13th International Conference on Technology and Education (ICTE). Topics include Internet policy and practice, classroom/curriculum issues, K-12 technology standards, tools, copyright, networked computing, and aid for developing nations. Lists areas of concern not addressed by conference…

Describes the impact of technology planning on students' and teachers' learning based on experiences at a high school in Texas that provides academic alternatives to at-risk students. Discusses collaboration among teachers, principals, and district administrators; teachers' professional development; the technology committee; staff development;…

Discusses planning for the use of technology in education; explains a planning process model that includes needs assessment, creating and selecting goals, and implementing and evaluating the plan; and describes an application of this model in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (Pennsylvania). (LRW)