Describes activities of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in the United Kingdom related to ways that information technology may contribute to learning. Topics discussed include cognitive science; evaluation of changes in learning; language skills; learner-machine interface; policy and management issues; teacher education; computer…

Postulates that students' untutored and unrehearsed verbatim responses to viewing artworks parallel specific schools of thought in aesthetic theory. Middle school students tape recorded their responses to a previous museum visit. Their responses reflected some of the key concepts in expressivism, institutionalism, and formalism. (MJP)

Discusses the 13 papers in this special issue on American Indian and Alaska Native language education and literacy, the object of which is to critically examine the relationship of pedagogical change to larger sociopolitical and cultural processes affecting native language, bilingual, and bicultural programs. (three references) (MDM)

Rapid changes in technology and the skills needed to compete successfully in the workforce will necessitate higher standards in education, especially in the ability to acquire, organize, and use information. Library media specialists must play a significant role in providing information access, storage, dissemination, and instruction for students.…

Researchers observed relationships between exposure to home electronic technologies and classroom disposition and performance in secondary school students. Interviews to determine computer literacy and use suggested that successful performance and richness of technological environment correlated with declared home computer use. Home use did not…

Bilingual students' language and literacy skills were compared across three classroom events (varying in degree of formality) in a special classroom for students with language learning disabilities. Results showed that certain contextual features (usually holistic-constructivist in nature) were associated with enhanced student performance, whereas…

Provides a case study of a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) program for beginning learners of Spanish at the University of Bradford, England. The pros and cons of various software used in the program, as well student attitudes toward CALL, are discussed. (six references) (MDM)

Describes creation and development of Drinking Is Not Our Solution (DINOS) software. Designed to provide both counselors and students with a way to explore attitudes toward drinking, it permits a young person to independently assess his or her own choices by identifying with characters. (JBJ)

Three computerized adaptive tests (CATs) in mathematics, reading, and writing were administered to 628 community college students to determine whether examinees of different ethnic, gender, ability, and age groups, and computer experience were differentially affected. Some differences exist; however, they do not preclude use of CATs. (SLD)

This article explores the effect of augmentative and alternative communication systems on literacy acquisition by young children with severe speech and physical impairments. The possibility of a relationship between the type of graphic symbols used for communication as a preschooler and the child's early reading competency is considered. (DB)

Discusses how to reform science education in light of individual and societal needs for science literacy. Science education standards, curriculum changes, hands-on and computer-based projects, telecommunications for teacher training, and technology for student assessment are described. A sidebar article presents a model science teacher development…

Reports findings regarding home language environments of children in the longitudinal Home-School Study of Language and Literacy Development project. Data about family practices concerning book reading, toy play, elicited reports, and mealtime conversations were gathered. Cases support a multi-componential view of language. (BB)

Describes a year-long elective film course in modern U.S. history for twelfth grade students. Explains course methodology and objectives. Analyzes selected films to illustrate how the course elucidates the consensus-conflict theme in U.S. history since the 1930s and enhances student understanding of Hollywood's perspective on gender, race, and…

Using portfolios in assessing literacy is explored, considering student portfolios and the teacher's class portfolio. Portfolio assessment is a valuable complement to externally mandated tests, but technical issues must be addressed if the portfolio movement is to survive. Portfolios must be linked to the broader task of instructional improvement.…

Details findings of research into 17-year-old students' consideration of science-based social issues. Reports that, although sex-based differences appeared in both student questionnaire and discussion responses, differences were far fewer in the discussions. Argues that social factors blur sex differences, making discussion a valuable learning…