Good learning experiences ask students to investigate and make sense of the world. While there are many ways to do this, K-12 curriculum has traditionally skewed toward reading and writing to interpret and express students' sense-making. But there is another way. Infographics represent data and ideas visually, in pictures, engaging more parts of…

Describes the Internet-based Electronic Emissary Project that helps teachers locate other Internet account holders who are subject matter experts in different disciplines for the purpose of setting up curriculum-based electronic exchanges among experts and elementary and secondary students and teachers. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the use of technology to improve student learning focuses on the need for professional competency and describes the Professional Competence Continuum (PCC) which includes core technology skills; curriculum, learning and assessment; professional practice; classroom and instructional management; and administrative competencies. (LRW)

Discusses how to move teachers away from using computer technology for drill and practice toward a more integrated approach. Topics include teacher training; supporting and extending curriculum objectives; learning environments; barriers to technology integration; and stages of integration, including the adoption phase, support, appropriation, and…

Examines features of an inquiry-based learning community. Discusses the five critical elements of a program developed to promote a community of inquiry, called Fostering a Community of Learners (FCL) (Brown, 1994, 1997). Discusses applying technology and describes two findings related to the development of communities of learning. (AEF)

This second installment of an article on a collaborative project involving high school and elementary students focuses on cooperative learning techniques with computers in language arts. Topics include classroom design, hands-on learning, new teaching and learning perspectives, sample assignments, the down side of technology, and recommendations.…

Desktop Adventures are computer-based scenarios incorporating the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for practicing problem solving across the curriculum suitable for whole class or cooperative group instruction. Reviews problem solving steps and approaches and describes introducing, creating, and extending desktop…

Discussion of the World Wide Web as a source of information for science instruction focuses on a structure created by the Network Montana Project (NMP) that students can navigate. Highlights include scientific investigation; bringing real data to students; and lesson plans available on the Web created by the NMP. (LRW)

Presents evaluations of three video-based distance education programs--Star Schools, the governor of Wyoming's pilot distance learning project, and the Ohio SchoolNet Telecommunity. Discusses some common findings and implications for the future of video-based distance learning, including what can be done to make distance education courses more…

Presents an in-depth description of one school's successful online mentoring program which is focused on middle school students reading below grade level. Discusses program specifics; role of college mentors; online discussions; test results; and results summary. Includes a sample calendar of assignments and samples of messages between student and…

Discusses the use of problem-based learning to meet technology standards. Highlights include technology as a tool for locating and organizing information; the Wolf Wars problem for elementary and secondary school students that provides resources, including Web sites, for information; Web-based problems; and technology as assessment and as a…

Describes Generation www.Y (Gen Y), a program that trains technology-savvy students to help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons. Discusses how Gen Y works; benefits for students and teachers; and how Gen Y is funded. One table lists differences between the traditional way of infusing technology and the Gen Y way. The two student…

Discusses staff development for technology use whose goal is to help teachers use technology as a dynamic part of the curriculum. Highlights include creating a team to design a vision of technology integration; understanding adult learners; assessing teachers' needs; designing individual learning plans (ILPs); and evaluating staff development…

New technologies often assume the form of prior traditions during their infancy. For example, filmed plays known as photoplays were initially produced prior to the development of modern cinema conventions. Similarly, printed books at first assumed many of the characteristics of hand-lettered manuscripts.

Describes the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), a program in Kentucky that teaches students about technology so they can help troubleshoot and maintain school technology, help teachers create lessons and projects, and train fellow students, teachers, and others to use hardware and software. Discussions mission and goals of STLP;…