There is growing interest about the concept of Open Educational Resources (OER) and how it can transform education around the world, with governments exploring the potential of OER and considering policy positions supportive of open licensing. The urgent imperative--and the real transformational potential of OER--is to evolve new systems of…

The introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the school curricula raised some hopes that it could minimize gender differences in learning. The interactive nature of ICT materials was believed to provide a favorable environment especially for girls to learn. This article reports the findings of the study that analyzed…

Focuses on the use of hybrid instruction by using the best aspects of traditional teaching incorporated with online instruction. Discusses the basic guidelines for teaching hybrid courses, what works and does not work in a hybrid class, and the improvements for future hybrid classes. (CMK)

Describes an approach to the design of learning environments around a computer algebra kernel. Presents two environments to help students learn precalculus. Provides students with symbolic, graphic, and numeric tools as well as functionalities to help them build proofs. (Author/KHR)

This article investigates the relation between home computer use and performance in English at school. The sample consists of 656 tenth-class students (age 15-16) in upper-secondary schools in Bergen, Norway. Data collection took place in the spring of 2002 and was administrated by the county education office. After correcting for gender, subject…

Explores how educational experience organized around students' use of a world wide web (WWW)-controllable atomic force microscope (AFM) influenced student understanding of viruses. Conducts a unit on viruses for two high school biology classes, which incorporated the use of WWW-controllable AFM. Suggests that the use of this technology as a tool…

While much has been written about the theoretical basis for constructionism attempted in more traditional school settings, the Constructionist Learning Laboratory at the Maine Youth Center (the state facility for adjudicated youth ages 11-21) offers the first opportunity to document a full-scale implementation of constructionism in an…

The paper describes an action research study investigating ICT as an integrated artefact in lower secondary schools in Norway. The study is part of a national project called PILOT, which focuses on the pedagogic use of ICT in education. The aim of the project is to develop an understanding of how ICT can become an integrated part of the teaching…

Presented are students perceptions of CMC, a computer system using PLATO to set up a communications link between students in high school. A close-up of the CMC community, perceived CMC characteristics, comparisons of CMC with other media, and CMC's impact on the school environment are described. (MDH)

Presents an evaluation of SIRNET (Schools in a Regional Network), a project on the use of computer networks in education carried out in five secondary schools in Norway. Highlights include satisfaction with the learning environment; cooperation and help-seeking; basic conditions for a distributed model; and criteria for quality in connecting…

A study of 15 gifted high school freshman investigated changes in learning style after a year of schooling in a technology-rich environment dedicated to constructivist learning. Although the results were inconclusive, learning styles were influenced by exposure to technology: computers affected the exploration and presentation of content and…

Discusses strategies used by two teachers for teaching geography to at-risk students to connect the subject matter to the student's lives. Includes techniques such as integrating music, art, language, employing simulations when teaching, using current events to improve students' reading skills, and utilizing computer technology. (CMK)

Illustrates the possibilities and educational benefits of virtual learning environments (VLEs), based on experiences with "Thirst for Knowledge," a VLE that simulates the workplace of a major company. While working in this virtual office world, students walk through the building, attend meetings, read reports, receive e-mail, answer the telephone,…

Explores the changes wrought in subject discipline classroom cultures by the introduction of computers. Discovered different adaptations and approaches among the subject discipline cultures. Art, technology, and family studies adjusted easier than social studies. Social studies teachers often felt computer instruction stole time away from content…

This handbook is the fourth in a series of five competency-based resource guides on microcomputer applications for vocational teachers. The six units of instruction in this handbook are concerned with the content of the seven competencies included in the category, "Planning and Organizing the Vocational Education Learning Environment for…