Introduces an instructional approach referred to as collaborative project-based learning and describes a new Web-based technology, "ALiVE" designed to support this instructional approach. Discusses information resources management; scaffolding with templates; communication; collaboration; coordination; and technological overhead.…

Japan's Teacher Certification Law and subsequent Ministry of Education regulations required more specific content for teacher training courses. Outlines three goals for an educational methodology and technology course and proposes its curricular framework: practical instructional competences, characteristics of instructional media, management and…

Automation of many college human resources management activities can lead to changes in office strategies, resource deployment, development needs, and career planning. The World Wide Web and local area networking have a variety of applications in this area, including tracking of transactions and forms. Careful planning and an understanding of the…

Networking technologies offer a better learning environment for college students while allowing cost reductions. Advances in networking can alter limitations of time and space, allowing learning in the same time/same space (traditional class meetings), same time/different place, different time/same place, and different time/different place.…

A teacher describes how she integrated telecommunications and Internet technology into her first-grade language arts curriculum. The use of electronic mail to communicate with other student penpals generated student enthusiasm and motivation which improved reading and writing skills. Other projects included researching questions using Internet…

Although Bill Clinton and Bob Dole agree that schools should make greater use of computers and the Internet, they differ on many technology issues. Clinton supports an active federal presence in technological advancement, while Dole would eliminate four cabinet-level departments and trim research funding. Online sources of news and facts about…

According to newly released Third International Mathematics and Science Study data, American children may score low on international comparisons because teachers are trying to teach them too many topics. Surprisingly, Florida's minimum competency testing program has not increased low-achievers' dropout rate. A recent "American…

Issues of institutional accountability for colleges and universities are examined in the American and European contexts, particularly as market forces gain importance in Europe. Varying forms of accountability (formal, through accreditation; financial; and academic) and two dimensions of accountability (external vs. internal, legal vs. financial)…

Describes the implementation of a project to prepare mentor and student teachers to teach mathematics and science through the integration of multimedia technology and pedagogy. Evaluation of project training and implementation found that student teachers were better prepared to integrate technology and that mentor teachers changed how they taught…

Illustrates variations in purposes and types of peer-learning group work in public schools, and details factors that influence the process. Describes new developments in peer learning and collaborative communities, as well as the technology support for collaboration. (GR)

Reviews the challenges and benefits of using multimedia instructional technology to teach intermediate business Spanish at Thunderbird American Graduate School of International Management (Arizona). Challenges were technical and administrative support requirements, technical training needs, and locating quality materials. Benefits included learner…

Debunks mythologizing reform data concerning technology, inclusion, multiculturalism, and money. Finds little evidence that technology improves student achievement, that mainstreaming serves all special-needs students, or that minorities will soon dominate U.S. demographics. Americans' low-bid attitude toward education has created a plethora of…

Profiles new CD-ROM technologies for middle schoolers, in the fields of mathematics and science, aimed at motivating and holding student interest. Describes three titles (Math Heads, Sunny Math, and The Ultimate 3-D Skeleton) in terms of manufacturer, capabilities, platform, and price. Several additional titles are described more briefly. (SD)

Describes a structure for electronic mail (e-mail) use by students that promoted idea exchanges. Students were trained to send regular e-mail messages to professors, teachers, and students during their field experience. Analysis of the messages indicated that a significant strand of professional conversations occurred spontaneously on important…

The University of Missouri's alumni association is using technology to recruit new members, increase retention, and provide benefits and services. Examples include the use of members' electronic mail for communication, use of personal barcodes on membership renewal notices, and automatic membership renewal using credit and debit accounts. (MSE)