The IT 3050 course at Capella University is an introduction to fundamental computer networking. This course is one of the required courses in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program. In order to provide a more enriched learning environment for learners, Capella has significantly modified this class (and others) by infusing it…

One of the important characteristics of Web-based courses is that they utilize different Internet tools to close the gap between the instructor and the learner. Although many different Internet tools (including course Web sites, e-mail, electronic mailing lists, threaded discussion group, chat, instant messaging, audio conferencing, and video…

For many librarians and information specialists, the World Wide Web presents a challenge, not only in terms of organizing information, but in creating a visual package that piques the user's curiosity and interest as well as provides orientation to a site. Creating original graphics gives a Web site a unique identity, and forces the designer to…

Part of a larger report on the Four Directions Project, an American Indian technology innovation project, this section includes 10 "pathfinders" to locating information on learning and instructional technology resources. The pathfinders were designed by students in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University…

This paper describes the early phases of an examination of the role played by Internet-based teacher professional development for K-12 teachers in the implementation of an innovation. The cases developed describe the effect of this professional development intervention on the teacher implementation of the knowledge construction tools in the…

This CD-ROM is designed to help school leaders recognize, promote, and evaluate effective technology use in their schools. The CD-ROM is divided into the following seven program areas: (1) "You're the Leader" helps administrators examine their roles as technology leaders and identify barriers to integrating technology into their schools,…

This paper describes the use of commercial application and programming software to provide language students with self-access materials used in their own time. In all cases, it assumes such students will be unsupervised. The idea is that in place of buying expensive and restricted commercially produced authoring packages, a teacher with limited…

Discusses three ethical and legal challenges of technology: issues of accessibility and equality, the appropriateness of materials available to young people on the Internet, and matters relating to copyright and the licensing of software users. States that educators and parents must make a collaborative effort to address these concerns. (DJM)

Features reviews of four computer games for use with intermediate and upper grade students, three on geography (Travelrama USA, Crosscountry USA, My America) and one on history (Vital Links). Comments include strengths of each activity, related multimedia activities and resources, and links to literature. Also reviews "Educator's Internet…

Explains how media specialists can use departmental meetings to develop and promote better public relations within the school community. Topics include changes in the media center; new programs or services being offered, including new software and Internet resources; teacher requests for materials to support their curriculum; and interlibrary-loan…

Examines technology trends that will make the most difference in schools in the 21st century: infrastructure needs (public and private funding); CD-ROMs versus software downloaded from the Internet and bandwidth; appliance, or single-use, versus multipurpose computers; virtual classrooms; and technology training for teachers. Provides a…

Discusses the role of administrators and media specialists in the successful use of technology in schools and explains the TSSA (Technology Standards for School Administrators) project. Topics include hardware needs; applications, including software and Internet connectivity; teachers' technology use; and professional development for staff,…

Google Earth is a free online software that provides a virtual view of Earth. Using Google Earth, students can view Earth by hovering over features and locations they preselect or by serendipitously exploring locations that catch their fascination. Going beyond hovering, they can swoop forward and even tilt images to make more detailed…

In the past decade, the most important technological innovation in higher education has been the enhancement of academic courses with Web-based information and tools. Given the success and popularity of numerous Web-based innovations, the author and two colleagues wondered whether the benefits of technology use could be scaled up from the course…

Asynchronous web-based learning environments are not usually as interactive or adaptive compared to traditional classrooms. The use of synchronous communication tools may be a solution to recreating the link between students and professors. However, synchronous collaborative learning environments are often restricted to a set of communication…