The emergence of new media provides new tools for promoting critical thinking and creativity in an environment that encourages collaboration, co-authoring and sharing ideas and artworks with audiences. Embedding new media in art lessons and integrating art with other disciplines not only promotes visual competence but also transversal competences…

This study investigates pre-service teachers' perspectives of the diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in elementary education and the effect of case-based discussions (CBDs). The sample consisted of 170 first-year pre-service teachers from elementary teacher education programs of the largest teacher education college in…

Teacher educators are constantly revisiting and revising their teacher education programs. Historically, research, educational policy, and accreditation requirements have been the impetus for renewal in teacher education. For the past 20 years, technology innovation has played an increasingly significant role in rethinking teacher education. This…

This paper reviews literature on constructivist learning theories relevant to and evident in teacher education in a New Zealand university. These theories are illustrated within an authentic technology education context which involves students from a primary teacher-education degree programme. It investigates how a practical activity, based on…

In an effort to generate a bottom-up approach for the program-wide implementation of electronic portfolios, this article first reports on the ways in which teacher candidates perceived the benefits and setbacks of this experience, after an initial course. Second, this article reports on whether and how the teacher candidates continued to develop…

In this study we assess whether and how the Homework System was effective in creating greater continuity of understanding between home and school. Children in a mixed Year 1 and Year 2 class (aged 5-6 years old) were taught numeracy using the Homework System on tablet PCs, and they were assigned activities to carry out on the tablet PC for…

Shares teacher wisdom stories and advice about how to effectively use classroom computers for literacy instruction. Notes that student access to Internet-connected computers improved from 20 students per computer in 1998 to 5.6 students per computer in 2002. Discusses Internet use and software selection. (SG)

Linking individual computers is an economical way to multiply their power and effectiveness. Guidelines for those considering networking as well as guidelines to follow during a network assessment are listed. (SI)

Presents annotations from the ERIC database of nine journal articles, reports, and conference papers (published between 1991 and 1995) on computers and reading instruction. Notes that computers can be a useful tool, but warns teachers to be cautious in accepting the computer as the solution for all reading problems. Lists seven web sites. (RS)

A New Jersey school board supplied computer work stations and extensive educational technology to each elementary school classroom. Explains strategies to finance the technology and train both teachers and parents. Cites "Report on the Effectiveness of Technology in Schools, 1990-92," by the Interactive Educational Systems Design. (MLF)

This article reviews the use of computer-based technology in teaching reading to students with disabilities. Research from the last 10 years is examined using the metaphors of Tutor, Tool, and Agent as categories of instructional purpose. Most of the substantive data supporting computer use concerns drill and practice and tutorial assisted…

Determines whether the integration of reading and computers will improve ESL (English as a second language) students' reading skills. Discusses creation of a new computer applications class for ESL students at an urban schools in the Northwest United States. Notes dramatic improvement with ESL students with limited English skills. (SC)

There are many ways and options available for children to publish their work, other than just writing for their teachers. This research summary discusses the benefits of publishing students' writing and ways that students go public with their writing: the author's chair, publishing individual authors, classbooks, classroom and school newspapers,…

The average American school now has one instructional computer for every six students. The next hurdle is adapting educational technology to support and extend student learning. Three keys to success are technological resources, cultural commitment, and effective instructional practices. A sidebar tracks the digital divide between haves and…

This inquiry investigates what happened when second grade students taught their peers how to use Microsoft PowerPoint. The study specifically focused on second graders' behaviors when they worked in pairs situated around a computer to create autobiographical slide shows. The setting for this study was a public elementary school in a suburb outside…