This article is the second of a two-part series on how schools in different types of communities meet the challenge of implementing technology. The emergence of technology as a critical component of education has presented rural districts with an invaluable tool for overcoming the problems created by sparse and remote populations. But rural…

The typical goal of distance learning is to provide students with coursework they would not otherwise have access to. The students are open to it because they are comfortable with technology. Often, the most resistant are teachers, either because they are worried that their jobs will be overtaken by computers or because they are just not inclined…

It was the perfect Halloween project. Each class would construct a three-dimensional "monster" out of common classroom materials (construction paper, cardboard boxes, tape, markers, glue, string, etc.), then write down instructions for building the monster and send them off to another class in the district, or in some other district, or even some…

State, federal, and corporate grants enabled Georgian Court College (New Jersey) to connect to the Internet, establish a multimedia lab, and purchase equipment for interactive distance learning. Describes the implementation of new programs utilizing Internet technology and highlights sample Internet projects in social work, education, aquatic and…

Proposes a number of factors by which the cost of technology in education can be properly justified. Based on a study of technology cost effectiveness with participants of a statewide initiative introducing Interactive Distance Learning (IDL). Describes indicators that represent 12 ways educators in Ohio using IDL for student learning feel the…

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…

In the fall of 2002, Visions In Education, a charter school for home-schooled and independent-study children, opened Visions High School Academy (www.visions academy.org), a virtual project-based high school. The five educators who started the program--Mark Jackson, Fred Lamora, Celine Darby, Jennifer Russell and the author--identified three…

Presents the results of several years of designing and implementing a Web-based multimedia distance learning system at Nova Southeastern University. Includes the methodology used, design issues for the software and hardware environment, user interfaces, functional aspects of the system including controls used by both teacher and learner, the…

Presents practical tips and techniques for developing distance education classrooms. Discusses revising one's teaching style; easing anxieties and building interpersonal bonds; encouraging student interaction; class size and classroom logistics; teaching training and technological support; and facility and equipment requirements. Lists 14…

Provides an overview of computers in education: early computers and computer languages, computer-assisted instruction, micro worlds, microcomputers, intelligent tutors, intelligent tools, symbol systems, computer graphics, virtual reality, distance education via the Internet, distance mentoring, learning-on-demand, organizational learning via…

Reviews technological applications successfully used for distance education by the R. Jan LeCroy Center for Educational Telecommunications in the Dallas County Community College District (Texas). Applications include videotape and live interactive telecourses, satellite and network teleconferences, and telecommunication resources for businesses,…

Discusses problems in education, and examines problems of computer usage. Explores how computers could lead to improvements in education with individualized learning, interactive software, computer-based courses, language-based interfaces, and distance learning. (PEN)

A history teacher uses a computer game to interest students in World War II. A former TV reporter creates a new journalism curriculum that turns high school kids into real on-air broadcasters. An administrator and a technology coordinator team up to bring their campuses in contact with others around the world. A project director devises a…