Describes the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Finnish early childhood environments from three perspectives. Examines Finnish national policies on the use of ICT; indicates the prevailing state of ICT use, according to results of international and national surveys; and presents some innovative practices involving the use…

This article presents a descriptive case study on the first experience moving a required teacher preparation instructional technology course from the university classroom into an elementary school setting. The key motivation was to help future teachers become more adept at integrating technology into their practice by learning about commonly used…

This paper reports on the Digital Historical Inquiry Project, an initiative for developing activities and programs that enable preservice and inservice social studies teachers to learn the methods of digital historical inquiry and implement those methods in their teaching experiences. At one of the project sites, San Diego State University social…

Blended learning is a promising model for supporting teacher professional development that combines the advantages of traditional face-to-face interaction with the flexibility of online learning. In this study, we examine the impact of two one-year blended learning programs on teachers' attitudes, knowledge, and classroom practices. These…

Central Queensland University (CQU) has used paper based distance education materials, such as course profiles, study guides and resource materials since 1971. The purpose of this exploratory study was to review three different approaches to online delivery and assessment currently being used in the Faculty of Business and Law, CQU, and to analyse…

This paper reports on two research studies. The first study investigates teachers monitoring strategies during computer-assisted composition instruction. The findings reveal four principles underlying a strategic, proximal instruction process. The four principles are collaborative assessment, guided practice, instructional branching, and learner…

This conference focused on the many elements of distance education that must be integrated into a smooth-functioning whole that provides a quality learning experience. This proceedings contains 76 papers presented at information sessions, 14 workshop papers, and one addendum. Topics include learning environments; learning strategies; funding;…

This paper begins with background on the National University of Mexico (UNAM) and its networks. Other distance education projects in Mexico are described, including projects of the Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN), the National Distance Education Program operated by the Secretary of Education, and the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios…

This paper describes "Methods of Integrating Technology in the Elementary Social Studies/Language Arts Classroom," a class at Northern Arizona State University with the purpose of assisting preservice teacher candidates in developing an understanding and appreciation of the many perspectives of the social studies, language acquisition in…

Five Illinois universities, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), and the Illinois Area IV Learning Technology Hub are collaborating in the Preparing Educators for the 21st Century Program" (PIE-21). This state-funded program focuses on providing preservice teachers, administrators, and teacher education faculty with…

"Learn & Live," a documentary film created by The George Lucas Educational Foundation and hosted by actor Robin Williams, profiles four K-12 school programs that are seeing positive results. In addition to these stories, the film shares insights from experts in education and technology to help explain why the innovations profiled in…

In this paper, we analysed teachers' characteristics described in the literature on classroom media use to identify those factors, which can explain teachers' use of new media in classrooms with some degree of validity. Using this literature as a basis, in this paper we develop a theoretical model which describes both positive and negative…

The 2004 National Education Technology Plan paints a hopeful picture of technology in American schools, highlighting examples of effective use and applauding the innovation that is occurring. The plan touts the benefits of the Internet and the opportunities it offers for improving education, such as enhanced access to interactive learning…

Background: The options for technology in an educational setting is growing exponentially. But the question remains, how can technology be used to improve reading instruction in an elementary classroom? It has been proposed that using an LCD projector to enable all students to see the text and pictures could increase reading comprehension.…

Along with a companion documentary video, "Learn & Live," this resource manual focuses on innovative schools around the country that are integrating technology and involving parents, business, and the community. Ten chapters are divided into four sections. In Section 1, "Students," two chapters look at learning and assessment. The two chapters in…