We work as teachers in one-day-a-week classes for gifted elementary school students in the Netherlands. The classes are centred on themes that last about 8 weeks. Twice a year, the students work on a project using the TASC Wheel to systematically gain more knowledge on the subject as well as to practise their executive skills. As an example of…

Concept mapping has been widely used in various fields to facilitate students' organization of knowledge. Previous studies have, however, pointed out that it is difficult for students to construct concept maps from the abundant searched data without appropriate scaffolding. Thus, researchers have suggested that students could produce high quality…

This article elaborates on the Inquiry Cycle as an appropriate model of learning for the digitally enhanced classroom. Its goal is to provide a useful link between theory and pedagogic practice. This involves taking a new look at the concept of digital literacy. The authors propose a conceptual framework connecting classroom practices and elements…

Teachers' technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) for meaningful learning with ICT describes their knowledge for designing ICT lesson activities with respect to five dimensions: active, constructive, authentic, intentional, and cooperative. The ICT lesson activities designed by teachers can be assessed to determine the strengths and…

South Africa's higher education policies have opened up access to university for students from diverse backgrounds, with different learning styles, levels of motivation and levels of preparedness. This has necessitated a move from the lecture style of teaching to innovative teaching styles that engage the learners and equip them with skills to…

This paper presents a summary of the key findings of the TTF TPACK Survey developed and administered for the Teaching the Teachers for the Future (TTF) Project implemented in 2011. The TTF Project, funded by an Australian Government ICT Innovation Fund grant, involved all 39 Australian Higher Education Institutions which provide initial teacher…

A common problem in computer programming use for education in general, not simply as a technical skill, is that children and teachers find themselves constrained by what is possible through limited expertise in computer programming techniques. This is particularly noticeable at the preliterate level, where constructs tend to be limited to…

Pre-service teachers faced an old problem with new possible solutions by working collaboratively to learn new technologies and changed the way they react to new tools. This approach required students to explore technologies independent of instructors--with peers in small groups. Instructors believe the learning activities implemented in this…

Presents strategies for teaching computer skills at a distance. Explains the operation of the Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System interactive distance learning network and describes nine sample class activities. (SK)

Describes a curriculum guide for teaching computer literacy in the primary grades. Computer literacy is divided into two topics, computer awareness and programing. For each topic, the guide lists learning objectives, introductory activities, and suggested curriculum areas for teaching the topic. (JJD)

Designed to provide teachers with a set of goals, activities, and supporting resource materials that will assist them in providing students with opportunities to acquire computer skills, knowledge, and understanding, this document presents major concepts and related assignments for a proposed computer curriculum. Topics covered include: the…

The author describes how computers can be used to teach fifth- and sixth-grade students and explains ways the machines can be used in instruction. Use of computer games, tutoring, drill and practice, simulations, and other applications are discussed, and key computer terms are defined. (PP)

Powerful applications such as Microsoft Office's Excel and Word are widely used to perform common tasks in the workplace and in education. Scripting within these applications allows unanticipated user requirements to be addressed. We show that such extensibility, intended to support office automation-type applications, is well suited to the…

Instructor's Computer-Using Teachers Board members give practical tips on how to get a classroom ready for a new computer, introduce students to the machine, and help them learn about programing and computer literacy. Safety, scheduling, and supervision requirements are noted. (PP)

Describes a series of programs written in Logo that have been used successfully to support young children's programing efforts. These programs remove the mechanical obstacles of typing, spelling, and estimating distances; remove the demands of abstract planning and ordering instruction; and provide a set of programing procedures. (MBR)