This study investigated the comparability of scores for paper and computer versions of a writing test administered to eighth grade students. Two essay prompts were given on paper to a nationally representative sample as part of the 2002 main NAEP writing assessment. The same two essay prompts were subsequently administered on computer to a second…

In this article, the author discusses three distinct challenges that demand solutions if traditional universities are to successfully confront the economic realities of distance learning: (1) Many traditional universities are not willing to draw useful lessons from the more advantageous financial and IT models of for-profit or other nontraditional…

In response to indicators that a decline in interest in mathematics occurs among girls--particularly those from low-income and minority groups--during middle school, the GO-GIRL (Gaining Options: Girls Investigate Real Life) program was designed to help potentially talented at-risk girls. The program aimed to build mathematical confidence, skills,…

The widespread deployment and use of Information Technologies (IT) has paved the way for change in many fields of our societies. The Internet, mobile computing, social networks and many other advances in human communications have become essential to promote and boost education, technology and industry. On the education side, the new challenges…

A program for infusing technology into the high school curriculum was initiated with grant funds at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in 1993-94. The first year of the program focused on establishing an Interactive Technology Lab, assessing teachers' readiness for the integration of technology into the curriculum and the effects of this…

These two documents summarize the findings of the 1994 and 1995 rounds of the Technical Institute Information Technology Survey, which is conducted annually to gather information about a broad range of technology uses at Georgia's technical institutes. Both reports included the responses from all of Georgia's 33 technical institutes regarding…

This guide is a collection of practical ideas for teaching listening skills to learners of a second language. Most are contributed by teachers of English as a Second Language, but the activities may be appropriate for other languages. Each idea is described briefly, with information given about appropriate proficiency level(s), specific aims,…

This paper discusses recent demographic and economic trends in Illinois and nationwide and resulting implications for rural schools and communities. Economic and social trends and their impacts on rural schools over the next decade include: (1) a more diverse school population due to growing numbers of Asian and Hispanic immigrants; (2) a greater…

This paper addresses the role of distance education as a means for increasing curricular offerings of small and rural secondary schools. Treating distance education as a "technology" risks repeating the same cycle of false hopes and expectations that has historically accompanied the introduction of technology into education. Instead,…

The world of electronic technology is opening up vast new opportunities for learning, gathering, and sharing information. This guide is for teachers and students in grades 4-8 to learn how to use electronic tools to conduct research to find information at school or around the world. The guide includes introductory pages for each topic, student…

The Texas Centers for Professional Development and Technology (CPDT) study gathered evaluative data about the progress and contribution of the centers toward their goal of systematic change in teacher preparation and student learning during four years of funding (1992-93 through 1995-96). The 21 centers in the sample included 35 universities, 15…

This report depicts the status of telecommunications network development and usage by K-12 educational institutions in April and May of 1996, as described by the heads of educational technology initiatives in each of the 50 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. These data are reproduced in this report as 51 "State Profiles."…

Summarizing what is known about reading teaching and learning, this booklet gives those people who must make decisions about reading instruction the most recent and reliable information available from research and practice. Sections of the booklet address such topics as what reading is and why it is important; the status of the "Great…

Project Vision was undertaken by the Pennsylvania State University Commonwealth Campus System (which includes 18 different campuses across Pennsylvania) to explore the potential of interactive instructional technology. Three campuses were chosen to participate, each of which selected a librarian, three faculty, and 20 incoming freshman students.…

An evaluation was conducted of a multinational virtual seminar held from January through March 1997 on delivering distance education using the latest technology. The seminar was organized by the University of Maryland University College (Maryland) and the University of Oldenburg (Germany). Participants interacted with experts and, to a…