Despite the last few years' growth in awareness of open-source software in schools and the potential savings it represents, its widespread adoption is still hampered. Randy Orwin, technology director of the Bainbridge Island School District in Washington State and a strong open-source advocate, cautions that installing an open-source…

The late 1980s was an exciting time to be a CIO in higher education. Computing was being decentralized as microcomputers replaced mainframes, networking was emerging, and the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) was introducing the concept of an "internet" to hundreds of thousands of new users. Security wasn't much of an issue;…

Describes a Washington State school's efforts to forego factory-model education for a boldly restructured curriculum dependent on new technologies, such as computer networks, two-year classrooms, ongoing staff development and planning sessions, and an innovative onsite day-care program for staff and students. The school has succeeded in…

Describes investments made by Garrison Middle School (Walla Walla, WA) in video and computer technology with which the school's sixth graders produced daily video news broadcasts. The "electronic evolution" there has resulted in a schoolwide computer network which aids activities such as writing and library use. Future plans include…

This document presents a work plan for developing distance education programs delivered by telecommunications and other media to citizens of the state of Washington. It is intended to provide direction for future postsecondary education programs delivered in whole or in part by telecommunications and for a study on how to accomplish this. The plan…

Survey of 141 rural special education teachers from Washington State indicated that teachers were unfamiliar with telecomputer networks and their potential use in the classroom, rarely used computer technology at home or at school, and perceived lack of knowledge as the biggest obstacle to using telecomputer networks and resources in the…

Examines opportunities and challenges for distance learning in the state of Washington. Highlights include an educational technology network for kindergarten through higher education; collaboration between schools, government, and the private sector; and the role of libraries, including access, service, and administrative issues, Web-based access…