Informatics is currently being taught in high schools all over the world. In the Dutch curriculum, computer literacy is taught in the lower grades as a compulsory subject, Informatics is taught as an elective in the higher grades of some schools. As a follow-up to the outline of Grgurina and Tolboom (2008), the discussion about the future of…

How has the teaching of writing changed in the 21st century? In this innovative guide, real teachers share their stories, successful practices, and vivid examples of their students' creative and expository writing from online and multimedia projects, such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, electronic poetry, and more. The book also addresses assessment:…

Three suggestions for schools in the face of computerization are discussed. Educators should: (1) take a critical attitude; (2) raise questions of value, as well as of effectiveness; and (3) be alert to the transfer to education of computer language, and the constrictions that could result. (MT)

Examines three main aspects of using the Internet in education concerning (1) activities that can be carried out on the Internet; (2) skills and knowledge teachers need to make full use of the opportunities that networking offers; and (3) classification of the educational goals that can be pursued with the aid of networking. (AEF)

Some basic concerns about the proliferation of computers in schools are stated: (1) Educational goals for children should be established as a first priority, then what computers can do to help achieve those goals should be examined; (2) Very few pieces of software are useful in schools, and teacher education programs should explore what is needed…

Prospects for a national policy for computer use in Dutch education are reviewed based on stated educational objectives. Resources and their allocation will greatly influence whether the emphasis is placed on specialized education in information science or computer literacy in all fields of study. (MSE)

This article presents the results of the initial stage of research on grades 4-8 teachers' writing instruction within rural and urban contexts across Canada. Teachers' goals and their use of digital technologies and multimedia are examined within rural and urban schools in five eastern provinces. Through half-hour telephone interviews with 54…

This study was designed to examine the effects of the competency (low vs. high) and interaction type (proactive vs. responsive) of pedagogical agents as learning companions (PALs) on learning, self-efficacy, and attitudes. Participants were 72 undergraduates in an introductory computer-literacy course who were randomly assigned to one of four…

This interim program of studies highlights technology learning outcomes for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students in Alberta (Canada). It forms the basis for the provincial program of studies to be released in June 2000. It identifies not only the outcomes that are already included in current programs of study, but also anticipates the knowledge,…

Choices to be made in the formation of national policies for computer use in education, in all countries, are outlined. They include the issues of curriculum priorities, need for broad computer literacy versus specialization, educational level for introduction, teacher training, software development, hardware needs, coordination, and locus of…

This publication defines academic standards and describes the development, adoption, and use of Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards, as well benefits of academic standards and application of the standards across the curriculum. The five categories that applications fall into include: (1) application of the basics; (2) ability to think; (3) skill…

Describes attempts to integrate computer technology into the preservice teacher education program at Lesley College. Topics discussed include technology goals; faculty attitudes; technology in the schools; technological developments; problems; and factors affecting adoption of computer technology, including the need for faculty to learn more about…

North Carolina has maintained a "Standard Course of Study" since the 1890s; every five to seven years since that time, it has been revised to reflect the needs of North Carolina students. The Standard Course of Study includes curriculum that should be made available to every child in the state's public schools. The "K-12…

Electronic media provide new opportunities for engaging college students in and out of the classroom. Electronic mail, teleconferencing, and Internet resources can increase instructor availability and extend class discussion. Issues to consider in planning for their use include achievement of course objectives, level of computer sophistication,…

Describes the development of a curriculum design model for computer education in grades K-8. Discusses the method used in producing the model and includes the composite of objectives that were produced in the study, along with suggestions for implementing the model at the local school level. (TW)