"Ghosts of the Argonne" is an interactive virtual reality (VR) recreation of the World War 1 (WW1) M1897 "French 75" field artillery gun, intended to teach learners about WW1 and its impact on the world, the role of artillery and artillerymen in this war, and the stories of real soldiers who served. The "Ghosts of the…

Every community in the United States has the potential to transform itself into this kind of ecosystem that supports families and promotes digital inclusion. Resources for Digital-Age learning already exist in libraries, schools, multimedia spaces, and through parents' personal smartphones, but localities are not often tapping into them to help…

Many teachers are organizing interactive Skype sessions. By taking advantage of Skype to allow students to interact with guests outside the classroom, sometimes thousands of miles away, teachers from all over the world are creating new opportunities for students to make academic gains in a motivating way. In this article, the author discusses the…

Mobile technology is a favorite discussion topic among senior IT leaders and higher education administrators. Mobile is the future for content delivery. Colleges and universities need to establish a strategy now and make the decisions necessary to take advantage of this communication opportunity. In this article, the author recommends making…

The annual Campus Technology Innovators awards recognize higher education institutions that take true initiative--even out-and-out risk--to better serve the campus community via technology. These top-notch university administrators, faculty, and staff demonstrate something more than a "job well done"; their vision and leadership have…

The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of teachers in a rural school district in western Virginia and how their perceptions relate to technology integration. The following research questions were sought: (1)What are teachers' perceptions of technology integration? (2) What are teachers' perceptions of the role and value of technology…

Teachers in the United States are utilizing technology in their classrooms on a daily basis. However, some schools struggle to implement effective technology usage opportunities for staff. In a 21st century world that is laden with technology, teachers should instruct students using updated technology. In two rural Virginia high schools in eastern…

The use of computers and computer-based applications is prevalent in schools, from the classroom to the principal's office. This study of middle school principals in Virginia and West Virginia addressed the following eight questions: (a) What computer technology applications are available to middle school principals? (b) What are the perceived…

Such initiatives as one-to-one computing, laptop learning, and technology immersion are gaining momentum in middle level and high schools, but the key to their success is more than cutting-edge technology. Henrico County Public Schools, a pioneer in educational technology in Virginia, launched a one-to-one computing initiative in 2001. The…

For policymakers, educators and others interested in learning more about the one-to-one computing movement, this issue of "The Progress of Education Reform" spotlights three particularly useful resources: (1) a detailed review of the challenges faced by states and districts implementing laptop programs, and of lessons learned to date in…

As corporate and higher education settings increasingly use Web 2.0 tools, the time has come to think about preparing K-12 in-service teachers to find ways in which these tools might support classroom teaching and learning goals. This article describes a graduate course designed and taught in spring 2007. Using a modeling and situated learning…

One-to-one computing, laptop learning, technology immersion: such initiatives are gaining momentum--and sparking excitement and controversy--in middle level and high schools, but the key to their success is more than cutting-edge technology. Henrico County Public Schools, a pioneer in educational technology in Virginia, launched a one-to-one…

The Faculty Development Institute (FDI), a large scale, formal faculty training program, was implemented to help faculty acquire skills necessary to incorporate computer technology into their instruction. This study uses a mixed methodology to identify and compare the goals, expectations, and perceived outcomes stakeholders held for FDI. The…

This paper reports on a computer initiative implemented by a metropolitan school district in Virginia. The initiative began in 1995 when the school district of 44,000 students funded 5 computers and a color printer for each elementary classroom in 34 schools. The goals of the initiative focused on: increasing student performance; addressing…

The Six-Year Educational Technology Plan for Virginia places emphasis on constructing and retrofitting schools for local and wide area networking; utilizing current and newer technologies in curriculum, instruction, and school management; providing training and technical assistance to all educators; and expanding access to effective teaching and…