When it comes to technology, many schools know what they want. They want targeted and scalable solutions that enhance learning and meet the NETS.S. And the teachers in those schools want simple, strategic instructional frameworks for developing their students' basic and digital age skills while meeting diverse learning needs. But as many…

A widespread irony in education is that many districts look at technology only in relation to what the students need. As a result, they often neglect to provide teachers with technology-based learning, even though they expect them to support their students with instructional technology. And when they do offer professional development (PD), they…

Good learning experiences ask students to investigate and make sense of the world. While there are many ways to do this, K-12 curriculum has traditionally skewed toward reading and writing to interpret and express students' sense-making. But there is another way. Infographics represent data and ideas visually, in pictures, engaging more parts of…

The tool of the future sits on a desk, but what lies behind that bright computer screen? Information floats on the surface, but the author of this article is a teacher who wants to find a way to draw students into an unforgettable learning adventure. A vision is needed, an idea that will enlist motivation and initiate a serious hunger for…

Computer technology has become an indispensable tool in writing. Those of us who have spent any time in schools can attest to the prevalence of word processing, concept mapping, Web editing, and electronic presentation software, all deployed, to a large extent, in the collective effort to enhance student writing. The degree to which such tools…

No longer do students need to wait for us to be the purveyors of information. They now have the world at their fingertips. Putting a laptop in the hands of every student has far reaching implications on the way we educators have to think about our classrooms. Old models of stand and deliver are no longer effective. We must learn to be facilitators…

Presents a troubleshooting flow chart for teachers and others to use when trying to figure out why their computers do not work correctly. Written mainly for Macintosh computers, the purpose of this guide is to save school technology coordinators time and to help educate teachers. (Author/LRW)

Discusses collaborative projects developed between different teachers using online networks that allow students to create or write for an audience. Topics include gathering and sharing information online, cooperating in an integrated study, developing a final project, generating your own project, and joining an existing project. (LRW)

Describes the Internet-based Electronic Emissary Project that helps teachers locate other Internet account holders who are subject matter experts in different disciplines for the purpose of setting up curriculum-based electronic exchanges among experts and elementary and secondary students and teachers. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the use of technology to improve student learning focuses on the need for professional competency and describes the Professional Competence Continuum (PCC) which includes core technology skills; curriculum, learning and assessment; professional practice; classroom and instructional management; and administrative competencies. (LRW)

Describes telecollaborative activities as educational endeavors that involve people in different locations using Internet tools and resources to work together. Topics include curriculum-based telecollaboration that has been designed by teachers; educational benefits; Web sites with telecollaborative activities; and criteria for choosing…

Discusses how to teach students to design HyperCard stacks. Highlights include introducing HyperCard, developing storyboards, introducing design concepts and scripts, presenting stacks, evaluating storyboards, and continuing projects. A sidebar presents a HyperCard stack evaluation form. (AEF)

Discusses how to move teachers away from using computer technology for drill and practice toward a more integrated approach. Topics include teacher training; supporting and extending curriculum objectives; learning environments; barriers to technology integration; and stages of integration, including the adoption phase, support, appropriation, and…

Discussion of integrating technology into elementary school classrooms focuses on teacher training that is based on a three-year plan developed at an elementary school in Marathon, New York. Describes the role of a technology teacher who facilitates technology integration by running the computer lab, offering workshops, and developing inservice…

Discusses the use of multimedia software and the need to apply constructivist theories so students become more involved with the software, progressing from simply watching presentations to creating simulations. A project-based learning environment that uses MicroWorlds software is described that focuses on marine biology and oceanography. (LRW)