This theme issue of the serial "Northwest Education" focuses on how teachers are using technology in diverse subjects, in addition to addressing the role of teachers in an environment of continuous change brought on by technological developments. The first article, "The Promise of Technology," argues that if technology is to…

Drawing from several weeks of observation and study in Northern Italian preschools, this paper links practices in Reggio Emilia with the theoretical constructs of John Dewey, Susan Isaacs, and Howard Gardner. Part 1 presents background about the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, which are unique both in their respect for the space created for…

This lesson for grade 12 is designed to raise student awareness of the potential of human cloning and of the effects it could have on the present, naturally born population. Students work in teams to research the issue and are provided with background information, detailed instructions, on-line resources, and reflection questions. The teacher's…

In its 20th year, History Day in California, a statewide program, is a history-based learning experience for students from grades 4-12. Through participation in History Day, students not only learn about issues, ideas, people, and events in history, but they apply what they have learned through creative and original productions and by developing…

This paper explores the use of the long-term project as an educational tool in early childhood classrooms. In particular, it focuses on the way in which long-term projects can reflect John Dewey's notion of the "dynamic aim" as a primary force in education. In "Democracy and Education," Dewey suggests that when teaching is…

Many project teams in organizations are highly structured, members have clearly defined roles, and they possess knowledge about how to effectively manage their projects and meetings. On the other hand, students in educational environments lack significant experience working in teams. Therefore, student teams are often poorly structured, members…

The Internet-Based Shared Environment for Expeditions (iExpeditions) is both a development effort of the Center for Technology Innovations in Education, University of Missouri, Columbia, and a research project conducted in partnership with Motorola, Inc. and a researcher at Brigham Young University (Utah). The project seeks to develop and…

Online learning is a relatively young field that is still being defined as a discipline. As faculty members wrestle with decisions about how to structure online courses for collaborative, connected learning, student perspectives of successful courses can provide valuable insights for decision-making. This paper presents general research findings…

This report focuses on gifted and talented education in six rural schools. An introduction summarizes a 1999 national assessment of rural gifted education and points out that the standards movement may hinder development of both effective rural schools and gifted programming. Of the six schools profiled, two were founded especially for gifted and…

Rural Trust schools and communities embrace an education that values what is unique to a particular place in an effort to promote mutual school and community well-being. This local focus engages students academically, pairing real world relevance with intellectual rigor. It also develops skills that promote citizenship, such as decision making,…

Describes student projects on applications of solar energy optics to home design. Project criterion (requiring sketches and detailed calculations of time rate of energy flow/production) is that half the heat for the heating season be taken from the solar resource; calculations must be based on meteorological data for a specific location. (JM)

Describes a course designed to expose neophytes to methodology used in chemical process industries to evaluate commercial feasibility of proposed projects. Previously acquired disciplines are integrated to facilitate process synthesis, gain appreciation of nature of industrial projects and industrial viewpoint in managing them, and to become adept…

Compares the role of undergraduate research (UR) in European and American chemical engineering programs based on the average student at the National Technical University of Athens. Includes relative position of UR in a European curriculum; benefits of UR for students and faculty; and social, cultural, and academic factors influencing UR. (SK)

The theory that the goal of public performance can be used as a motivating tool in foreign language learning is the basis for the annual German-cafe theater evening described here. The evening of refreshments and entertainment, entirely produced by the German classes, illustrates authentic German cultural activities. (PMJ)

Outlines a study project that attempted to combine an inquiry into the language and cultural background of Texas German-Americans. Interviews and project reports were prepared by college students on the premise that they could benefit from the contrasts observed between the standard language of the classroom and the local nonstandard variants.…