This paper presents an historical perspective on the development of educational delivery systems, and then turns to the challenges of the information age and the issues of developing new delivery systems in this challenging environment. The paper discusses the fragility of power sources and of the networked world; technological weaknesses; freedom…

This document focuses on Web-based courses for high school students. First discussed is the use of technology as a potential solution to address two needs: the need to increase the number of Advanced Placement courses and core mathematics and sciences courses; and the need to improve instruction. Efforts by universities and private, for-profit…

To address the need to understand the extent and types of teacher use of computers and the Internet, as well as teachers' perceptions of their own preparedness to use these tools in their classes, a National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) survey was commissioned. The survey found that 99% of full-time regular public school teachers…

Research reports and articles on the effectiveness of technology in the student learning environment reflect a variety of opinions and conclusions. Educators who are making decisions about the use of technology will want to examine research results with the following questions in mind: Do research results and expert opinions support the continued…

A model is presented for the implementation of instructional technology into schools. After a brief definition of instructional technology, its advantages and disadvantages are outlined and factors that contribute to the failure or success of an instructional technology program are highlighted. Each of the following components of the model are…

Explains how the Mathcad computer program can promote the development of higher-order chemical thinking skills of students taking junior-level physical chemistry courses. The kinetics of first-order series and reversible reactions is used as an example of how this can be implemented within an interactive laboratory or lecture format. (PVD)

This article is the third in a series addressing the use of new technologies to help physical educators with instruction and assessment. It focuses on the student multimedia project as an assessment tool, discussing the software used for multimedia projects, multimedia in physical education, and integrating technology and sport into the…

Introduces global positioning system (GPS) technology to nonspecialist geographers and recommends a framework for implementing GPS instructional modules in college geography courses. GPS was developed as a worldwide satellite-based system by the U.S. Department of Defense to simplify and improve military and civilian navigation and positioning.…

Outlines the teaching environment that led to the conception of a digital tutor for teaching the concepts and techniques of geographic information systems (GIS). Explains the design and prototyping, introduces the tutor's capabilities, and shares insights gained from using this teaching aid. Includes teachers' and students' responses. (MJP)

Describes the process by which Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York), beginning in the 1980s, became a leader in computer applications in college instruction. Focus is on the leadership provided by the administration and the process of reengineering institutional operations in many instructional and administrative areas. Outlines three…

This article, written by a high school student, describes how he helped his school attain access to state-of-the-art technology and to the Internet. Topics include problems, security issues, teacher training, examples of student Internet projects, technical details of the school's computer system, and how the school encouraged this student's…

A case study examined the effect that cognitive rescaling of digital text had on the research and writing processes of a student with a learning disability and emotional disturbance in a self-contained alternative school environment. Results indicate the cognitive rescaling of digital text had a positive effect on the student. (Contains…

Encourages educators to address the following issues related to the use of technology: (1) role of teacher evaluation; (2) benefits of appropriate use; (3) integration into learning environment; (4) equitable access, especially for children with special needs; (5) stereotyping and violence in software; (6) role of teachers and parents as…

Outlines key problem-solving and decision-making skills in which special needs students are deficient. Discusses the importance of teaching those skills. Describes a specific procedure called the Personal Problem Solving Guide, which utilizes readily available personal computer technology to teach children social decision-making and…

This article describes Widgets, computer-based learning tools designed to meet the instructional need for computer-based flexible tools that can be used across ability levels. It discusses development of three Widgets for students with mild disabilities: a multiplication with sets Widget, a number sense Widget, and a dollars and cents Widget.…