Discusses work collaboration via virtual work groups, communication, and improved connectivity via information technology. Reviews previous studies and compares the performance of 64 virtual teams using four different collaborative technologies: text only, audio only, text and video, and audio and video. (Contains 59 references.) (Author/LRW)

Explores how instructional design can contribute to building powerful learning environments. Highlights include a history of instructional design; personalized computer environments; collaborative learning; interaction and student-centered, knowledge-centered, assessment-centered, and community-centered learning environments; and the importance of…

Presents a literature review that covers the following topics related to information and communications technologies (ICTs): (1) theories of ICTs and how they frame political life; (2) normative democratic theory and concepts; (3) e-political life; and (4) research on e-government, e-governance, and e-democracy; (Contains 276 references.) (MES)

Reports on a project investigating students' learning processes when video analysis and data logging practical work were used in a first-year undergraduate physics course. Suggests that students were motivated by the tasks and believed that these tasks helped them overall to understand physics concepts. Includes references. (CMK)

Data from a study of Toyota production workshops show the most important worker intellectual skills are problem-solving know-how and ability to handle change. Introduction of information technology elevates the need for intellectual skills because of uncertainty. Development of skills for dealing with uncertainty and change in both blue- and…

Data from three projects (a CD-ROM of the periodic table, video animation on CD ROM, and data loggers) show how conditioned dispositions affect information/communications technology use. The projects demonstrate how students have been conditioned to work mindlessly in science classrooms, following the path of least cognitive demand and avoiding…

Discusses the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve education. Highlights include virtual discussions; the need for data about students to help them learn effectively; listening to students; current uses of ICT in teaching; feedback from students; and a proposed model for virtual classrooms. (LRW)

Discussion of the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing nations focuses on experiences in India. Highlights include the information age; digital divides, including access to information, to technology, and to culturally relevant content; meeting human needs and social goals; private sector roles; and bridging…

Reviews the international research evidence on the ways in which information and communication technologies (ICT) are used in both formal and informal pre-school settings. Addresses the debate over the value and desirability of young children using computers and computational toys; relationship to the media environment; literacies involved; and…

States the role of information and communications technology (ICTs) in education is not homogeneous, only some are designed to support learning. Considers the role of ICT in two models of a British science curriculum: (1) based on empirical science; and (2) based on a model of scientific reasoning. (BT)

Examines the complex connections among literacy practices, the use of information, and communication technologies (ICTs) and disadvantage. Reports findings of a year-long Australian study, which investigated ways that four families use ICTs to engage in formal and informal literacy learning in home and school settings. (BT)

This special section contains four articles on using technology to improve student financial aid services: (1) "The Technology Pyramid" (advice on the transition from paper to paperless systems); (2) "Strengthening Our Security"; (3) "COD: Moving toward a Universal Delivery System" (about the government's new Common Origin and Disbursement…

Discusses the need for more flexible learning frameworks for higher education and lifelong learning, and considers the use of communication and information technology to meet those needs. Focuses on conferencing technologies, including video conferencing; text-based communication (email, bulletin boards, and conferencing); and audio conferencing.…

Human performance technology is a collection of techniques for evaluating and designing human performance systems. It isn't a philosophy, a moral imperative, or a way of life. When technologists promote as more than what it is, they jeopardize their credibility and distort their own roles as performance engineers. (Author)

Technology can be an obstacle or an advantage to cooperative data sharing within and between colleges and universities. Taking a technology-oriented approach before the technology is ripe for general use can be counterproductive. Many technical difficulties can be overcome by encouraging consortium staff to promote new methods of information…