Presents three ideas to help teachers who have only one computer for the entire classroom. The suggestions include having the teachers use the computer themselves to enhance productivity, hooking the computer up to a visual display, and looking for curriculum packages that inspire groups, not individuals. (SM)

The importance of the prepared environment to the Montessori educational philosophy necessitates careful teacher training to successfully implement computer technology in the Montessori classroom. This paper explores the views and experiences of 11 Montessori teachers in integrating computers in their classroom. The paper maintains that Maria…

Updated information for computer purchases appropriate for use in a childcare center classroom is offered. Includes a list of minimum hardware requirements for Windows-based computers as well as Macintosh, and low-budget alternative solutions. New software titles for preschool children and K-5 school-age children are reviewed. (AA)

Provides advice and suggestions for educators or parents who are trying to decide what type of computer to buy to run the latest computer software for children. Suggests that purchasers should buy a computer with as large a hard drive as possible, at least 10 megabytes of RAM, and a CD-ROM drive. (MDM)

Describes how the Muskoka Board of Education in Bracebridge, Ontario, revised its purchasing and budget-management system to coincide with its new site-based management policy. The district developed individual school budgets, established an online computing network, and acquired software that permitted remote-site entry. (LMI)

This article describes five organizational Web sites that are good resources in selecting and using software with children who have special needs. The sites represent the DO-IT project, the Trace Research and Development Center, Special Needs Opportunity Windows, the Family Center on Technology and Disability, and the National Center for…

This paper discusses techniques for the preservice teacher to use in planning computer learning experiences for young children. Teachers need to become aware of the functions of the computer, the capabilities of computer technology with young children, and the response of young children to the computer in the learning environment. Teachers should…

Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…

Open systems are computer systems designed to meet vendor-neutral international standards. Significant characteristics of open systems are portability (software will run on dozens of hardware programs) and interoperability (computers of different brands can be connected and share resources). Discusses options available to switch to an open system.…

This article aims to help parents of gifted children plan children's experiences using home computers, select quality software, and decide when to expose children to more advanced computer training. Potential problems such as student feelings of isolation are discussed, as well as drawbacks of software emphasizing drill repetition over concept…

This article discusses how professionals can integrate computer technology into early childhood classrooms. Strategies are provided for using computers to facilitate learning, selecting developmentally appropriate software, setting up a computer center, and integrating computer technology across the curriculum. A chart pairs level of interactivity…

Discusses frequently asked questions, presents common concerns, and gives suggestions for families and parents in five areas related to children's home computer use: (1) software selection; (2) computer time; (3) the Internet; (4) family interaction; and (5) supervision. (KB)

Over the next decade, distance learning will provide counselor preparation programs with a host of both opportunities and challenges. This user-friendly handbook helps counselor educators develop skills to teach students who are participating in distance learning classes. The purpose of this book is to help counselor educators and other faculty…

Examines nine important questions that can help directors of child-care centers in selecting software to assist them with administrative tasks. These questions were developed based on the insights offered by an exchange panel of 200 members currently using center management software. Includes a listing of 24 center management software packages on…

This paper provides a balanced set of guidelines for reviewing educational software, and offers a simple and practical procedure that can be used to select software for instructional purposes. The procedure applies equally well to individual "titles" or to large-scale curriculum-based systems. It applies to software delivered on a CD-ROM, through…