Technology is the subject of so much attention in education today, first, because of its prevalence; second, because it promises to provide education at lower cost; and third, because technology can help some people to participate more easily in education, to learn more effectively, and to enjoy learning more. Although there are problems connected…

Instructional systems design (ISD) is the integration of general systems theory, instructional theory, and communications theory. Edgar Dale, a leader in the fields of reading and journalism and a pioneer in the humanistic/communications tradition of the field of instructional technology, related the concrete to abstract continuum to media…

Over the past few decades, educators have witnessed a slowly growing but significant change in the way they approach their work. Professional curriculum debate now tends to be over procedures, not over what counts as legitimate knowledge. This book aims to reintegrate the ethical, personal, and political into curriculum discourse and decision…

Although the general automation process can be applied to most libraries, small libraries and media centers require a customized approach. Using a systematic approach, this guide covers each step and aspect of automation in a small library setting, and combines the principles of automation with field- tested activities. After discussing needs…

The Electronic Information Resources Task Force was formed by the University of Rhode Island Library to evaluate the present program and plan for and develop improvements. The specific charges to this to this Task Force were to: evaluate the range of the electronic information and delivery mechanisms relevant to the programs of the University of…

The application of computer technology in qualitative research and evaluation ranges from simple word processing to doing sophisticated data sorting and retrieval. How computer software can be used for qualitative research is discussed. Researchers should consider the use of computers in data analysis in light of their own familiarity and comfort…

The activities in this manual explore some of the issues of the 1960s and 1970s that reflected changes in U.S. patterns of thought: minorities sought their share of the American pie; young people challenged established authority; massive protests erupted against the Vietnam War; political corruption was found in high office and a marked change…

The roots of environmental problems at local, national, regional, and global levels lie in factors associated with a very low level of economic development and insufficient environmental awareness caused by a lack of education. Environmental education becomes a cornerstone of public awareness about the environment and the solution and prevention…

In 1993, a study was conducted to investigate the responses of associate degree programs in manufacturing and related technical programs to current technical education initiatives. The study focused on the relationships of associate degree programs to secondary and postsecondary education and industry, curricular trends, familiarity with the…

This packet contains recommendations made in 1995 and in 1996 by the Idaho State Council on Vocational Education for improving vocational education in the state. The 1995 recommendations address needed improvements in articulation, outreach, partnerships, technology, awareness, and capacity. The 1996 recommendations address the following:…

Presenting specifications for the design and construction of a new campus for Arizona's Coconino Community College (CCC), this report reviews requirements related to the layout of the physical plant, the quality of building materials, and the incorporation of educational technology. The first section describes the mission of the new Flagstaff…

The complexity of technology training for teachers can be partially explained in terms of three phenomena: the historical resistance of teachers to use media, the nature of teaching itself, and the life cycle of technological innovations. Factors that influence teachers' use of technology include: accessibility of hardware and software,…

A model for transforming the role of the student has been developed based on principles of organizational theory, change management, and the research concerning implementation of computer and telecommunications technology in schools. This model, called "Expert Learning Communities," has been applied in the design and implementation of a…

"Achieve" is an independent, nongovernmental organization that was created out of the March 1996 National Education Summit. The summit was convened by the National Governors' Association and the International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation. Achieve's goal is to sustain the momentum generated at the national summit and to support…

Two reports concerning the evaluation of language minority and limited-English-proficient students are presented. The Task D170 report provides conclusions of a written focus group on the issues involved in defining appropriate outcome variables, outcome variables to be used, and the relative importance of LEP student outcome variables for school…