The six "thought pieces" presented in this document summarize the personal perspectives of conference participants on issues raised in formal or information discussions, but not part of the central themes of the conference or conference papers. They include: (1) "Assuming That..." (Anne Nicol, Apple Computer, Inc.); (2) "A…

Article discusses the utilization of the computer to enable the teacher to supply alternative activities for the student. (Author)

Advances in technology have encouraged educators to devise ways to make the educational experience more efficient and productive. The computer is a dynamic new tool for developing a range of cognitive skills. (JN)

The state-of-the-art of three technological capabilities (i.e., audio, computer, and video) is discussed and descriptions of some interesting applications in rural and small schools are provided. Audio and audiographic technologies discussed include radio and telephone as well as voice-grade telephone lines which facilitate transmission of visual…

The State University of New York (SUNY) established the need among faculty for an Internet-based course/classroom management system (CMS) to provide the means to customize and manage the instructional process in teaching and learning and to integrate the content from a variety of sources including instructors both local and remote, students, and…

Describes a pilot project that implemented and tested an interactive system of multimedia computer learning modules for an introductory human geography course. The project used a sequential learning process moving from initial concepts, to collaborative writing, and on to geographical analyses by the students. Includes assignment examples, system…

The use of the computer in teaching law is examined in this collection of essays. Discussed are the development of law-related programmed workbooks, predecessors to computer aided instruction (CAI); research findings and their implications for the design of law-related CAI exercises; advantages and limitations of CAI programs in law; and attempts…

This paper discusses a model of integrated instruction and assessment called SMART (Special Multimedia Arenas for Refining Thinking). SMART involves interactive use of the Internet and multimedia software. The Internet serves three important functions: it acts as a formative assessment tool by providing individualized feedback to students, creates…

This paper describes a project which created a set of World Wide Web (WWW) pages documenting the state of the art in educational multimedia design; a prototype WWW-based multimedia teaching tool--a podiatry test using HTML forms, 24-bit color images and MPEG video--was also designed, developed, and evaluated. The project was conducted between…

Bennett College (North Carolina) has developed the use of an Integrated Computerized Instructional Support System (ICISS) featuring the use of large networked test-banks, a sophisticated test management system, application software, and multimedia. These materials are used both for interactive learning experiences in the classroom and for…

This special issue is a collection of reports on the applications of technology to schools, written by educators affiliated with the Technology Leadership Network (a group sponsored by the National School Boards Association). In "Meet the Pioneers of More Productive Schools," James A. Mecklenburger, the director of the National School Boards…

Instructional design is a critical factor in a successful distance education environment. An efficient design analyzes audience and needs, creates learning goals/objectives, develops materials, methods and media for content delivery, and plans for evaluation and feedback. Design implementation requires certain instructional criteria: (1)…