This study examined circumstances leading teachers to incorporate telecommunications into practice. Case studies of teachers involved in a telecommunications project (three participants and three nonparticipants) indicated that those who integrated telecommunications into teaching valued the use of an interactive learning network and had figured…

This report describes Earth Lab, a project which is demonstrating new ways of using computers for upper-elementary and middle-school science instruction, and finding ways to integrate local-area and telecommunications networks. The discussion covers software, classroom activities, formative research on communications networks, and integration of…

Technologies can play a role in restructuring schools, but they can also effectively support existing school structures depending on how they are designed and used. This paper contrasts the organizational impact of two technology systems in terms of the physical location in the school, the curriculum, how time is scheduled, and the opportunities…

Two articles discuss changes that are making technology useful to teachers. After examining computer uses in education, the articles describe new research and educational technology trends, and products and projects that got three teachers hooked on technology. (SM)

This paper describes the technology and benefits of distance education, especially microcomputer-assisted programs, for isolated schools with limited access to certified teachers. An interactive system known alternately as audiographics teleteaching and microcomputer-aided teleteaching was recently introduced at Brigham Young University's (BYU)…

Examines the world of integrated learning systems, focusing on research that explains their success and noting what needs to be done to make them more effective in elementary education. The article recommends creating a method to demonstrate their success or failure rate in improving scores on achievement tests. (SM)

Describes computer-assisted activities used in the University of Michigan's teacher education program (computer conferencing and an interactive educational software package). The article discusses what the applications convey about the teaching and learning process, what they communicate about teacher knowledge, and what kind of educational future…

This paper provides case studies that report on an ethnographic action research study to investigate the potential of the combination of wireless networking and portable computing at a primary school in Australia. Discusses student research projects, personal Web pages, making digital movies, student evaluations, and results of student interviews.…

This paper reviews evaluation reports on the use of integrated learning systems (ILSs) in elementary and middle schools throughout the United States in light of the following questions: Do these systems work? Do students make more progress using an ILS than learning in "traditional" ways? Could the cost of software and equipment be…

Discussion of a core curriculum in Hungary focuses on the role of information technology in curriculum development in elementary education. Topics include personal computers; networks; multimedia; the Internet; tasks and goals for various subject areas; content elements; and didactic considerations. (LRW)

Describes the integration of microcomputers and CD-ROMs into an elementary school in North Carolina. Topics addressed include computer networks; classroom computers; computer labs; printing capabilities; library and administrative access; phone systems; other building uses, including the lunch program and climate control; funding; and teacher…

This case study focuses on the impact of technology in the Peakview Elementary School (Colorado) which, in order to implement organizational and teaching strategies advocated by the school restructuring reform movement, installed more than 80 networked computers and related technology. The study relied on written surveys and interviews of teachers…

A case study was conducted to seek improved understanding of processes related to teachers' adoption of two classroom-based computer technologies--networked computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and desktop computer multimedia resources--at a selected magnet elementary school. A Stages of Concern Questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data,…

Peakview Elementary School is a new elementary school that is implementing a number of organizational and teaching strategies advocated by the school restructuring reform movement. Among those strategies is the infusion of more than 80 networked microcomputers with their related technology and software. The impact of this technology on the school…

Peakview is a new school that is implementing a number of organizational and teaching strategies advocated by the school restructuring reform movement. Among those strategies is the infusion of more than 80 networked microcomputers and related technology and software. This evaluation study examined the impact of the technology on the school…