Despite much fanfare, new technologies have yet to fundamentally advance student outcomes in K-12 schools or other educational settings. We believe that the system that supports the development and dissemination of educational technology tools is falling short. The key missing ingredient is rigorous evaluation. No one knows what works and for…

Joseph South, an educational researcher, technology consultant, and former director of the U.S. Office of Educational Technology participated in a research initiative on Educational Technology Efficacy Research organized by the Jefferson Education Accelerator, Digital Promise, and the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. The…

As professional, academic and accrediting bodies have periodically reviewed the need for and content of foundational college curricula in information management, a broad-based consensus has emerged as to what is to be covered in the standard management information systems (MIS) course. Within U.S. business schools today, there is little debate…

Early childhood teacher education methods classes often emphasize the application of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP). In today's digital age, it is important for teacher educators and their students to think about how to extend DAP to technology use. In this article, two contrasting classroom scenarios are provided to illustrate…

This paper explores how rural communities with limited financial resources and technical expertise can have a useful Web page along with the ability for community and business leaders to maintain this presence. The tools to be employed are not new to the Web, but they may be considered "cutting edge" when it comes to a rural community's…

"The Technology Balance Beam" is designed to question the role of technology within school districts. This case study chronicles a typical school district in relation to the school district's implementation of technology beginning in the 1995-1996 school year. The fundamental question that this scenario raises is, What is the balance between…

No sensible historian would argue that using images in history lectures is a pedagogical waste of time. All people seem to accept the idea that visual elements (paintings, photographs, films, maps, charts, etc.) enhance the retention of historical information and add greatly to student enjoyment of the subject. However, there seems to be very…

Discusses the need for educators, trainers, and business people to be able to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Web-based training in order to make informed decisions about the appropriateness of this training method for their organization. Presents a case study of one organization that provides a detailed cost-benefit analysis. (Author/LRW)

Interactive multimedia programs have found their way into the hands of young children. This case study attempts to determine how two year old children interact with interactive multimedia technology, and addresses the following questions: is it appropriate to include the interactive multimedia technology in the same context as other objects like…

A case study is presented of an 11-year-old boy with multiple disabilities who uses DynaVox, a voice-output communication device with a touch screen display, in an inclusive classroom. The article discusses how to find the right technology for children with disabilities by evaluating the level of the text, instruction, and classroom. (CR)

Describes the use of computer-supported studying as an approach to helping students with disabilities develop and apply skills needed for successful transition from secondary to postsecondary education. Vignettes of three students with learning disabilities illustrate the success of computer-supported studying. (Author/CR)

The Common Thread Case Project is a multi-year project that uses multimedia compact disc technology and high-bandwidth telecommunications to provide a unique, case-based professional development network for teachers in the midst of systemic reform in the state of Kentucky. The project is a partnership between the University of Kentucky, the…