Compares two sections of beginning algebra: one taught online and the other on site. Reports that, although there was no significant difference for exam averages between the two formats, there was a significant decrease in performance by the online students across the exams. Recommends proceeding with online courses cautiously. (Contains 11…

Argues that access to technology can be defined in two ways: (1) what students don't have--the digital divide runs along ethnicity and income lines; and (2) what is available, such as assistive technology for those with cognitive or physical disabilities. Speculates on the future of accessibility. (Contains 25 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Considers digital equity, including not just access to technology but also quality and use of technology. Topics include hardware and bandwidth; content and critical thinking; preparing educators; preservice training; leadership; special education; non-English languages and literacy; unfamiliar cultures; itinerant students; and gender issues. (LRW)

Discussion of computer mediated communication for interactive learning focuses on a study of social science students conducted at Southern Cross University (Australia) that investigated students' perceptions of the importance of online discussion. Topics include social cohesion; social constructivism; benchmarking; student motivation and…

"SeeWord" is a highly configurable word processing environment, which assists dyslexic users in producing and reading text. Three prototypes of the software were developed and evaluated. The third was used in an experimental study with six dyslexic school pupils. Research showed five out of the six, aged 14-16, years benefited from use of…

Explores why "learning" and "object" have been combined in the field of instructional technology. Examines why current definitions of these terms are lacking when looked at from a standards and interoperability point of view. Suggests a new definition with a rationale to satisfy needs of technologists for precise, practical…

Presents an overview of various efforts toward developing online education in China, and describes the progress that has been made both in the areas of higher education and basic education in recent years. Introduces some ongoing national projects related to online education. Discusses issues pertinent to online education and provides…

Discusses how the Web is used and applied in online learning in Taiwan. Presents five different aspects of how Web-based online learning is facilitated--courseware-, theory-, instruction-, community- and assessment-oriented--with detailed descriptions of projects implemented over the last several years. Emphasizes a call for a localized approach…

Discusses pertinent issues relating to implementing online learning models in a higher education context. These issues include the changing roles of staff and students as they adopt new learning approaches; the notions of flexible learning and delivery; and the quality of education provided. (AEF)

First sale and fair use are two copyright principles of use in academic libraries that need to be reexamined in an information age offering possibilities of universal access and perfect distribution in the electronic document. Library services that are perhaps most affected by these concerns are in provision of electronic reserves and collections.…

Discussion of inquiry and technology within elementary and secondary school science curriculum focuses on WISE (Web-Based Inquiry Science Environment) that was developed to provide effective designs for inquiry activities and assessments, technology supports for students and teachers, authoring partnerships to create a library of inquiry projects,…

A study investigated how assistive reading software affected the reading performance of 20 postsecondary students who had attention deficit disorder. The software allowed the students to attend better to their reading, reduce distractibility, read with less stress, and read for longer periods of time. It did not affect comprehension. (Contains…

Reports on a longitudinal study of the effectiveness of computerizing a liberal arts university. Discusses problems of measurement when tracking changes in the educational outcome; and uses data from the study to develop a reliable scale to measure attitudes related to interaction, computer-mediated communication, student expectations, and…

Describes the development of native technology projects through an effort called the Indigenous Digital Communities Initiative (IDCI). The goal of IDCI is to build skills among Native people in using emerging technologies for preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures. Describes program at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in New…

Describes a science activity appropriate for middle and high school students investigating the temperature, pH, and conductivity of a man-made lake. Uses an inquiry-based interdisciplinary approach. Collects and analyzes data to determine whether there is any significant difference among the factors considering the very little variance in lake…