Describes one public library's development of a computer-security plan, along with helpful products used. Discussion includes Internet policy, physical protection of hardware, basic protection of the operating system and software on the network, browser dilemmas and maintenance, creating clear intuitive interface, and administering fair use and…

Describes software designers' actions affecting identity performance in computer-mediated communications, particularly within graphical multiuser virtual environments, based on ethnographic research. Discusses how those actions interact with larger social contexts of dominance based on race, class, and gender, as well as designers' understanding…

Urges teachers of gifted students to allow students unstructured recreational computer time in the classroom to encourage student exploration and discovery, to promote creativity, to develop problem-solving skills, and to allow time to revisit programs and complete their own tasks. Different types of educational computer programs are referenced.…

Reviews a commercial software package that was originally developed for English but can be adapted for use in Japanese. The approach here is the adaptation of a generic program to a specific instructional context, with the attendant benefits and limitations. (Author/JL)

This article on childrens' interactive talking books examines: (1) how pairs of children interact when using the Broderbund multimedia CD-ROM storybook "Living Books"; (2) whether their patterns of interaction reflect the gender composition of the pair; and (3) if different types of pairs interact differently and remember the activity differently.…

Lists best books by the American Library Association for the general reader, best young adult books, notable children's films and videos, best children's books, notable recordings for children, notable children's software and Web sites, quick picks for reluctant young adult readers, bestsellers of 1997, and literary prizes, 1997. (PEN)

Describes the development of a Web-based software tool, the Technology Competencies Database, at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign that will enable faculty to effectively collaborate in providing technology experiences to preservice teacher education students. Discusses the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)…

Describes "Glass-box Interpreter" a low-level program visualization tool called Bradman designed to provide a conceptual model of C program execution for novice programmers and makes visible aspects of the programming process normally hidden from the user. Presents an experiment that tests the efficacy of Bradman, and provides…

Considers theory, standards, guidelines, and rationale for technology in the preschool environment. Examines practices of 12 diverse preschool sites and derives 4 models that enable early learners to engage and experience technology within a developmentally appropriate learning environment. Focuses on technology-infused preschool models for…

As classroom technology has developed, so have copyright laws and guidelines. Guidelines are outlined for taping broadcasts, using "home use only" videocasettes, networking and duplicating computer software, incorporating copyrighted material for multimedia productions, creating materials for posting on Internet websites, and…

Examines whether the time has come for electronic books to have a leading role in book publishing. Highlights the trends and issues, including hardware and software appliances, formatting standards, and legal issues and rights. Gives profiles of the major e-publishing companies and products to watch. (AEF)

Focuses on the use of e-mail games for learning. Discusses terminology; reasons for using virtual games; promoting person-to-person interaction online; how to play an e-mail game, including three examples of specific games; player reactions; design components; the functions for facilitating an e-mail game; and the game as an excuse for debriefing.…

Describes an activity in which middle school students use the computer software entitles "Community Construction Kit," a computer program, to design buildings for historical and contemporary communities. Addresses the student benefits of both this activity and the "Community Construction Kit" in general. (CMK)

Describes a computer program called AnoGen that automates the process of generating data sets for ANOVA designs and operates within DOS and Windows compatible computers. Explains that the program runs in both student and teacher modes and is freely available for noncommercial use through the Internet. (CMK)

This article describes how the East Tennessee Technology Access Center is coordinating the use of new computer math programs designed for elementary children with and without disabilities. The use of the computer software to develop math skills, improve literacy, and increase the independence of students with disabilities is discussed. (Contains…