Two types of Canadian institutions (university-related research parks and Ontario's "centers of excellence") charged with fostering technology innovation and facilitating technology transfer between university and industry are described and compared. It is concluded that despite limitations, both play a positive role in enhancing…

New developments in the use of automatically scorable constructed response item types for large-scale assessment are reviewed for five domains: (1) mathematical reasoning; (2) algebra problem solving; (3) computer science; (4) architecture; and (5) natural language. Ways in which these technologies are likely to shape testing are considered. (SLD)

Inconsistent decision making of the United States government on environmental issues is described. Discussed are the health risks of alternatives, environmental group leadership, the role of the news media, and the role of the government. (KR)

Discussed is the contention that courses which use literature to teach young people about AIDS, if designed properly, can be more effective than sessions which merely preach to them and bombard them with horrifying statistics. Twenty books are described, as well as videotapes and appropriate music. (KR)

The perspective of biotechnology and its development in the K-12 technology education curriculum are described. The content curriculum development and implications for activities are discussed. The difference between a curriculum focused on the activities of industry compared to one that addresses technology as it pervades all human endeavors is…

An interdisciplinary robotics project undertaken by students is described. The students acted as designers, innovators, and the engineers in designing a dancing robot. The origin of the problem, designing of the mechanical frame, pneumatics, digitized sound, and problems with the design are discussed. (KR)

Describes a workshop that presented both implementation strategies and a working model for education programs seeking to infuse environmental education (EE) in the classroom. Reviews possible obstacles to cross-curricular EE in the school setting and includes a list of factors useful in selecting cross-curricular program themes. (MCO)

The distance education program offered by the University of Oklahoma was studied to determine the impact of telecommunications media upon learning outcomes. Comparison of the attitudes and achievement of students enrolled in the telecommunications course and a control group showed no differences in learning between the groups at any level. (18…

An interest questionnaire with 72 university course descriptions based on a facet design was used to determine whether computer anxiety or computer disinterest was related to interest in or willingness to take selected courses of 200 Belgian and German students. Analysis of variance supports conclusions from the multidimensional scalings. (SLD)

Schools must provide teachers with access to technology if they are to use it often and well. The article discusses integrated learning systems, noting teachers must be included in technology adoption and staff development processes. It recommends teachers have plenty of time to learn the systems at their own pace. (SM)

This study examined the conceptions that 85 gifted elementary and middle school students had of academic fun, using repertory grid techniques. In general, similarities across age and gender were found, though sex differences were found in attitudes toward technology and computer activities and age differences in attitudes toward mathematics.…

Presents an overview of an evaluation of projects developed to improve students' quantitative reasoning skills and understanding of technology. (ZWH)

Informal discussions between librarians and information technologists at Indiana University-Bloomington concerning the commonalities of their careers in information evolved into an ambitious collaborative program of professional development. A series of workshops focused on specific current professional challenges. Content emphasized collaboration…

Discusses experiences at the Integrated Information Center at the University of Minnesota regarding staffing considerations and suggests that, to operate effectively in this new environment, information professionals will need knowledge and skills not formerly emphasized in their educational programs. Highlights include communication skills,…

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in Wisconsin has entered into a partnership with industry to fund continuous upgrading and expansion of its laboratories. The program has succeeded because of industry's need to hire work-ready graduates who have experience with the companies and with the latest technology. (MSE)