A parent walking into a classroom in a Minnesota public school today will be presented with a different learning environment compared to that of 20 years ago. Gone are filmstrips and movie projectors and in their place are computer screens. Today's classroom is a heavy user of digital media, and much of that is accessed via the Internet. It is…

Can daily access to laptop computers help students become better writers? Are such programs affordable? Evidence from the Inspired Writing program in Littleton Public Schools, Colorado, USA, provides a resounding yes to both questions. The program employs student netbooks, open-source software, cloud computing, and social media to help students in…

Wireless connectivity in schools is all the rage, and many school systems have at least gotten their feet wet with a wireless lab or a few portable laptop carts. But Bijaya Devkota, the chief information officer of Charles County Public Schools, has done what many school systems only dream of--implemented universal wireless access throughout his…

Steady technology growth has allowed a Massachusetts school district to build a large, centralized database; improve a vast array of standard administrative operations; and design software applications tailored to many special needs. (MLF)

Integrated Services Digital Network is a technology that allows optimum utilization of human and physical resources by rapid and simultaneous transmission of conversation and data over existing telephone lines. (MLF)

Outlines the factors in hardware, software, and administration to consider in developing specifications for choosing a computer operating system. Compares Microsoft Windows 95/NT that runs on PC/Intel-based systems and System 7.5 that runs on the Apple-based systems. Lists reasons why the Microsoft platform clearly stands above the Apple platform.…

Presents a debate on which technology will be in tomorrow's classrooms and the pros and cons of wiring classrooms and using a wireless network. Concluding comments address the likelihood, and desirability, of placing computers throughout the entire educational process and what types of computers and capabilities are needed. (GR)

Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh (CK-P) is a school networking project which develops network connectivity and curricular applications in the Pittsburgh Public Schools (Pennsylvania). This article describes CK-P's network architecture; products developed, including a virtual classroom for German language instruction, online physics instruction, online…

When teachers, building-level administrators, and district officials can communicate freely with one another through computers, districts become more powerful. An integrated approach to computer technology will result in improved efficiencies. (MLF)

An article by Nan Wodarz in the November 1997 issue listed reasons why the Microsoft computer operating system was superior to the Apple Macintosh platform. This rebuttal contends the Macintosh is less expensive, lasts longer, and requires less technical staff for support. (MLF)

An Iowa school district has retooled its computer systems for more standardized administration. In addition to administration, the district is doing inhouse databasing of financial accounting, and doing inhouse scheduling and grade reporting. A partnership with the Chamber of Commerce contributed $500,000 for the network system. (MLF)

Proposes regional consortia of school districts that would buy instructional software; create communications networks; develop teaching and training methods; develop effective techniques for administrative management and support; and identify and advocate specific research needs. (MLF)

Reviews six books on technology and science. Views expressed include that technology is a major teacher and that technology would become the efficient deliverer of the education product, to warnings of blindly accepting technology as progress. (MLF)

Consultants can help a school district's technology dreams become realities. Or they can turn those dreams into nightmares. Technology consultants are providing services in several areas including technical assistance and staff training. A sidebar offers tips for finding a consultant and steps districts should follow to make the most of what they…

Delaware became the first state in the United States to provide high-speed network access to every school and have network access in every public school classroom. This article illustrates how Delaware leaped from being technology poor in education to building a solid foundation for growth in educational technology. Critical issues and…