Provides a history of the Instructional Technology Center at Iowa State University and describes its present operations. Highlights include an organizational chart; classroom services; instructional development services, related to faculty development and courseware creation; creative services that support multimedia, graphics, and television…

States that a growing number of schools are installing general computer labs equipped to use notation, accompaniment, and sequencing software independent of MIDI keyboards. Discusses (1) how to configure the software without MIDI keyboards or external sound modules, (2) using the actual MIDI software, (3) inexpensive enhancements, and (4) the…

Describes the development of a Web-based electronic performance support system called the Literacy Explorer. Literacy or reading facilitators can use this software tool, designed by George Mason University graduate students, to support elementary and middle school students with disabilities in the reading process. (LRW)

Describes how to plan computer-based activities for second-language classrooms, noting ways that computer use differs in such classrooms. Explains how to plan a lesson, focusing on the activity, grade level, time requirements, software, preparation time, teaching method, pre- and post-computer work, skills used, and teacher's role. Sample lessons…

Discusses computer-assisted language learning for foreign-language teachers, examining the history of educational technology and highlighting CD-ROM for foreign language learning. Looks at various frustrations foreign-language teachers may experience when working with new hardware and software, discusses various types of hardware and software, and…

Instructional designers and researchers are attempting to identify the factors that determine which type of graphic visuals to employ in a specific situation as well as how best to utilize available resources. The use of three-dimensional graphics in a variety of media formats is addressed, including a discussion of specific instructional…

Provides an overview of virtual reality from an education perspective. Defines the technology in terms of equipment and participatory experience, examines the potential applications of virtual reality in education and training, and considers the concerns and limitations of the technology. Overall, research indicates that virtual reality offers…

Discusses the gap in France between institutional support for the use of technology in mathematics teaching and its weak integration into teacher practice. Identifies and analyzes steps in integration and indicates that the role played by technology in moving from being a visual to an essential constituent of the meaning of tasks affects student…

Describes a Web-based tool, WebGuide, being developed to mediate and structure collaborative learning. This software uses an innovative mechanism to define a flexible system of perspectives on a shared knowledge construction space. WebGuide provides an electronic and persistent workspace for individuals and teams to develop and share distinctive…

Discusses the effect of collaboration via e-mail links on the quality of 10- to 11-year-old students' science investigative skills in six elementary rural schools. The project identified several important issues related to teacher-inservice training requirements, development in cooperative groupwork for children, and software design. (AIM)

Provides an annotated list of resources dealing with the theme of various types of connections. Includes Web sites, CD-ROMs/software, videos, books, and additional resources with appropriate grade levels and subject disciplines indicated in most cases. Sidebars include toys that connect, connecting with nature, it's a small world-satellites,…

Presents an evaluation of one postgraduate subject (Information Technology for Teaching and Learning at the University of New South Wales), which is taught entirely online and uses public-domain browsers, e-mail and file transfer, and is integrated with software developed by the authors, WebTeach (c) to facilitate teacher/learner and…

Presents Pedro Hernandez-Ramos's thoughts on Educom's Instructional Management Systems (IMS), a global coalition of organizations working together to create standards for software development in distributed learning. Focuses on the organization's relevance to community colleges, the benefits of participation, why IMS is a global effort, and how…

Presents the following lists of distinguished books: "Best Books of 1998"; "Best Young Adult Books"; "Notable Children's Videos"; "Best Children's Books"; "Notable Recordings for Children"; "Notable Software and Web Sites for Children"; "Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult…

Illustrates the importance of helping students explore and discover topics in geometry and shows how students who use Geometer's Sketchpad, a powerful computer drawing program, develop a better understanding of geometry. Describes several activities that use the technology to help students discover a wide range of geometric relationships. (AEF)