This digest explains how to inform high school students and their parents about the human genome project (HGP) and how the information from this milestone finding will affect future biological and medical research and challenge science educators. The sections include: (1) "The Emerging Legacy of the HGP"; (2) "Transforming How…

Knowing what different kinds of computer equipment can do is the first step in choosing the computer that is right for you. This digest describes a developmental progression of computer capabilities. First the basic three software programs (word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs) are discussed using examples. Next, an explanation of…

Although science and math are increasingly important in the workplace, many students, especially females, avoid these subjects. One route to the achievement of National Education Goal 3--increasing student competence in challenging subject matter--is through integration of vocational education with science and math, enabling students to apply…

Technology is more than applied science. It is the processes and products by which humans have coped with and changed their environment throughout history. People have always lived and worked in a "technological society." Never before, however, has technological change been so rapid or broad in scope. The concept of an "educated…

The infusion of technology in schools, colleges, and departments of education (SCDEs) may be placed along a continuum. At one end of the continuum, technology infusion is described as not being central to the teacher preparation experience. At the other end of the continuum, progress is represented by changing courses and changing thinking. This…

The revised approach to teaching and learning math in the United States emphasizes the mental processes involved in doing math and focuses partly on children's prior knowledge, out-of-school experiences, and informal mathematics knowledge. This engaging approach can function to encourage children to select one of the mathematical sciences as an…

The number of family programs in low-income communities that promote computer and Internet literacy is steadily growing. This digest describes urban after school and community programs found to be effective among low-income youth and their families. Some are projects of national initiatives that welcome new local affiliates, and others are…

The National Science Foundation (NSF) released its first call for proposals for the National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education Digital Library (NSDL) program early in 2000. Building on work supported under the multi-agency Digital Libraries Initiative, this program aims to establish a national digital library that will…

This digest focuses on going beyond multiple choice testing to the development of methods for assessing complex knowledge and performances. Newly designed assessment systems must accurately measure and promote the complex thinking and learning goals that are known to be critical to students' academic success and their eventual sustained…

Technological literacy includes the following elements: (1) the ability to use technology; (2) knowledge about the details of individual technologies and the processes of technology development; (3) a holistic understanding of the historical and cultural context of technology and adaptability based on initiative and resourceful thinking; and (4) a…