Discusses the educational technology policy and funding of the United States Department of Education from the 1960s to the present, including two current programs: the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund and telecommunications educational rate (E-rate) discounts. Future technology initiatives and critical factors impacting the future and are…

Discusses the many reasons to use the Internet in English-as-a-Second-Language classrooms, including increased student motivation, authentic language use, global awareness, and environmental friendliness (decreased use of paper). Examines two popular features of the Internet (electronic mail and the World Wide Web), presenting projects that can…

Describes an online college course and student perceptions of the virtual-classroom experience. Students appreciated course flexibility and convenience and found it conducive to thoughtful analysis of class questions and commentary. However, they felt isolated from peers and instructor, and lack of face-to-face interaction hindered communication.…

Argues that the power of technology is its ability to transform instruction by breaking down geographical and logistical barriers; while not replacing actual museums, virtual museums contribute by bringing their collections to students. Outlines a project in which students create their own virtual museum. Includes Web addresses for virtual…

Considers how computer-assisted learning (CAL) can be integrated into a skills curriculum, and argues that CAL can provide a flexible approach to developing a range of skills and support the development of competence in information technology. Finds that a carefully designed program can be an appropriate learning strategy for skills courses. (DSK)

Describes attempts to devise effective strategies to develop students' communication and information technology (CIT) skills. Compares the outcomes of three modules that used learning materials mounted on the Internet. Finds that the provision of minimal instruction, low assessment weighting, and an experiential learning atmosphere encouraged…

Presents a lesson plan to have students investigate how concepts of ownership and fair use, and copyright laws apply to the Internet. Includes a background statement, list of objectives, outline of procedures, handout for a Web-site search, and a handout describing three cases dealing with Internet copyright issues. (DSK)

Describes an exercise, step-by-step, for developing critical thinking while exposing students to electronic-data skills. Argues that the exercise enhances critical thinking by forcing students to deal with issues of data definition, collection, and interpretation, and by providing an active learning experience with real-world data. (DSK)

Describes a freshman composition course that combines service learning and composition theory by having students publish Internet profiles of local social-service agencies. The project concludes a year-long course examining American social issues, drawing on varied texts and genres, and emphasizing social construction, active learning, the…

Discusses new technologies, applications, and computer software programs available for use in the instruction of developmental writing programs. Describes programs that function as multimedia writing "coaches" and model the writing process, collaborative writing tools that stimulate written conversations, and grammar and bibliographic tutors. (SJL)

Discusses the importance of introducing preservice teachers to the use of technology and how to integrate it into their classrooms. Describes one teacher's development of multimedia programs and emphasizes availability of and access to computers in schools, careful planning, the use of appropriate technology, and student motivation. (LRW)

In a study surveying 410 graduating education majors, respondents reported little opportunity to see technology use modeled in a college classroom setting by university professors or in a student-teaching setting by supervising teachers. Without such modeling, tomorrow's teachers may not be sufficiently prepared to integrate technology into…

Provides an overview of assistive technology for students with disabilities in inclusive settings and legal considerations regarding assistive technology. Recommendations are given to help teachers maximize assistive technology to facilitate instruction, including finding the lowest technology solution and collaborating with other teachers and…

Examines the impact of technology on postsecondary education stemming from data definitions and analytical conventions in (1) configuring new institutions and programs, (2) understanding new faculty roles and work patterns, (3) measuring and analyzing student participation, (4) assessing student progress and learning gains, and (5) analyzing…

Reports a case study in a Singapore school where a group of at-risk secondary students were given a series of linked computer-based projects. Describes the conceptual framework based on constructivism and situated learning and discusses benefits in academic performance, student motivation, language development, cooperation and stress management,…