Careful planning is required for teachers to take full advantage of the cross-cultural learning opportunities afforded by electronic networks and telecommunications. Networking with more than one classroom and using a well-defined group project integral to other classroom activities are recommended. (EA)

Includes two articles that deal with constructivism: one discusses constructivism and the use of computers in teaching language arts, particularly writing; and the other discusses constructivism and the use of laptop computers in an Australian primary school to help restructure the curriculum. (23 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of computer assisted instruction to enhance learning basic skills within the traditional language arts curriculum. The Teaching for Transfer approach to software evaluation that is described is designed to provide teachers with information about how well a given piece of software can be integrated into the existing curriculum.…

Outlines three lessons designed to increase students' involvement in social studies classes, excerpted from the author's book, COMPUTERS, CURRICULUM, AND WHOLE-CLASS INSTRUCTION. Student surveys, supported by database and/or graphing software, are used to study immigration, banking and technology, and interpreting graphs and bias in information.…

Reviews current research regarding integrated learning systems (ILS) in elementary and secondary education. Topics discussed include instructional effectiveness; implementation strategies, including adequate time, teacher involvement, curriculum integration, and staff development; classroom social processes; and implications for teachers. (LRW)

Describes the ScrapBookUSA Writing Project, a computer telecommunications project linking classrooms across the country, and its educational opportunities for the writing and multicultural studies curricula. Examples of Hello letters, student essays, and ScrapBook Chronicles are given to demonstrate the impact a wide audience and immediate…

Discussion of how to integrate computers into the classroom focuses on seven principles of instruction: (1) mastery learning; (2) overlearning and automaticity; (3) cooperative learning; (4) monitoring student progress; (5) immediate feedback; (6) learning styles; and (7) classroom management. Guidelines for using computers to support the…

Discussion of the successful integration of technology to assist students with mild handicaps in mainstreamed classrooms highlights the role of the teacher. Three research studies are described: one with elementary schools, one with middle schools, and one with high schools. Curriculum objectives, student needs, group learning, and teacher…

Discussion of differences in elementary and secondary school mathematics instruction between the United States and The Netherlands focuses on a Dutch project brought to the United States that uses print materials and software products. Topics addressed include integrating technology into the curriculum; cultural differences; designing assessment;…

Discussion of the use of computerized databases in classroom instruction focuses on problem solving skills, student attitudes toward computers, and learning processes. A study of eighth graders is described that tested hypotheses involving the comparative analysis of data, and its implications for curriculum development and instructional methods…

Suggests 10 no-cost, or low-cost, criteria to be considered by school administrators and curriculum coordinators when educational technology plans, involving the use of calculators, computers, television, video, and research equipment, are in the developmental stage. (JJK)

Discussion of performance-based assessment in elementary and secondary schools in Kentucky focuses on the use of hypermedia as an effective alternative for assessing student learning. Curriculum activities are described for science, language arts, foreign language, mathematics, social studies, and physical education. (Contains seven references.)…