Describes the benefits of technology in special education and the use of electronic mail as an instructional strategy. Highlights the use of electronic mail by a student with Down syndrome to learn communication, reading, and written expression skills. Recommendations for using technology in the classroom are provided. (CR)

Discusses the experiential learning and arts-based approach of the Lab School of Washington, DC, and describes projects that use technology as a valuable tool in teaching students with learning disabilities. Teaching approaches using the computer and specific software are matched with characteristics of learning disabilities and…

This paper discusses the use of technology in gifted students' curriculum, methods that have been successfully used in classrooms, and the wealth of technological resources available to both the teacher and student. The paper describes how technology has been used to teach science, art, and enhance other subjects. Internet Web sites and various…

This paper critiques the notion that technology can solve the problems of rural schools. The critique begins with the recognition that the United States is an economic empire, that technology is the instrument of empire, and that national objectives for education are concerned with promoting economic competitiveness. While rural places are…

This paper surveys issues that draw together instructional technology (IT) with the goals of the traditional classroom curriculum. Ways that IT serves to further the traditional educational goals of developing lifelong learners who function with skills, knowledge, and wisdom are examined, as well as the potentials and challenges of IT. The first…

Provides an overview of assistive technology for students with disabilities in inclusive settings and legal considerations regarding assistive technology. Recommendations are given to help teachers maximize assistive technology to facilitate instruction, including finding the lowest technology solution and collaborating with other teachers and…

This newsletter describes promising research in applying technology in the curriculum to improve learning opportunities for students with disabilities. Topics addressed include: (1) promoting access to early childhood curriculum; (2) considering assistive technology in the IEP; (3) using a web-based curriculum for elementary students with mild…

Argues that educational technology has profound and questionable effects, including teaching the superiority of technology to human communication; creation of a gap between technology haves and have nots; potential for fostering social turbulence; and emphasizing the authority of reason and a consciousness separate from the body, which encourages…

Professional development has historically been a "one-shot" workshop wherein information barrages the learner in a streaming fashion and little to no information is retained. Even more exasperating is the lack of follow-up support once the workshops have concluded. Due to the desire for technologically appropriate professional development and…

This monograph describes how special educators in seven schools are using technology to promote literacy. Profiles of the different schools provide concrete examples of technology use in different instructional settings and demonstrate how various educational philosophies and implementation efforts help schools build successful technology-based…

This paper explores the apparent "digital divide" in information, communication, and/or assistive technology availability that exists between special needs students and their mainstream counterparts. A literature review indicates that although great advances have been made in public schools during the last decade in acquiring computers and…

This compilation of presentations from RESNA's conference proceedings focused on the progress and potential of assistive and rehabilitation technology for individuals with disabilities and ways that RESNA members could help these ideas to be realized. Papers were presented on the following topics: (1) service delivery and public policy issues; (2)…

"Global outreach" refers to the international delivery of education, health, public information, commercial, and other services using appropriate communications technology. International organizations are partnering in various ways with developing-country governments, private companies, local communities, and non-governmental…