Describes the development of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), stressing the similarities between the system's goals and Thomas Jefferson's views on public education in a democratic society. Reviews five major VCCS initiatives of the 1990s: improving transfer, reducing program length, implementing information technology, ensuring…

Media Services at the University of California at Santa Cruz has developed standard media packages defining the audiovisual and presentation support available in a classroom. Describes the process of developing classroom equipment standards, three classroom packages, and a movable cart used to enhance the smaller packages. Lists the equipment for…

Discusses how simulation technology for the analysis of information systems (IS) supports human decision making. Examines online help and knowledge-based support, graphics, and visual interactive simulation (VIS) and animation. Concludes that there are opportunities to improve the decision support role of simulation technology in IS with enhanced…

In the euphoria about new technologies in distance education there exists the danger of not sufficiently considering how ever increasing "virtualization" may exclude some student groups. An explorative study was conducted that asked disabled students about their experiences with using computers and the Internet. Overall, those questioned…

Evaluates a socio-constructivist hybrid model for training K-12 teachers in Brazil in the use of informatics in education. Highlights include a combination of face-to-face exchanges and a Web-based distance approach; comparisons between this model and traditional models; a cost effectiveness analysis; and recommendations for future research.…

A study examined whether Talking Mats, a light-technology augmentative framework, could be used successfully with 12 young adults with a learning and communication disability. Participants were able to indicate likes and dislikes and express views about the choices available to them. Some expressed opinions not previously known to their carers.…

Explores how research on how people think, learn, and remember can be used as a guide in redesigning higher education, especially science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Asserts that such research suggests against lectures, "canned" laboratory work, and frequent testing. (EV)

Points out the diminishing demand for mathematics undergraduate programs and the strong trend in engineering education to make greater use of computer coursework such as Mathcad, Matlab, and other software systems for the mathematical and statistical components of engineering programs. Describes the changing role of mathematics learning centers…

Provides practical ideas for "raising the bar" on student, technology-rich projects as teachers and learners work together to transform the learning environment. Explores levels of complexity in student products and determines what is realistic in terms of matching standards and activities with time and resources. (Author/AEF)

Describes a new program at Gavilan College, California, that introduces Allied Health students and faculty to information technologies. States that the program's goal is to reconfigure Allied Health curriculum to reflect the impact of information technology on the health professions by inserting information competency components into courses.…

A project to help teachers use technology to enhance learning is tied to the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, to bring a sense of adventure to learning. A 3-day outdoor workshop emphasizing the Nez Perce role in the expedition and a mapping project tracing changes in Lewiston (Idaho) had 8th-graders using global positioning systems,…

Explains that the core materials used during literature-based instruction are narrative and expository works. Notes that this type of instruction, which has gained increased emphasis in reading research and practice, provides authentic learning experiences and activities by using literature to teach and foster literacy. Reviews pertinent research…

Presents a study conducted at the Hellenic Open University that focused on higher education offered by methods of distance learning, including the use of computers and other technology, and investigated causes of student dropouts and dropout rates. Highlights include student characteristics, including age and gender; and correlations between…

Describes the development of a Web-based version of an information in cyberspace course at the University of Texas at Austin for the library and information science graduate school. Topics include using the best technology; focusing on course content; streaming media; student needs and student feedback; reusing materials; and future plans. (LRW)

Discusses the use of technology--cassette players, television, videotapes, and computers--to support learning in early childhood settings. Maintains that technology can engage children as active learners and support skill development in several areas. Discusses placement and positioning of computers in early childhood classrooms, computer software…