This synthesis of the research literature on early intervention for young children with disabilities focuses on factors that contribute to quality, and then reviews what is known about two types of tools for young children with disabilities: toys and technology. It begins by examining current perspectives on quality education for all children,…

The integrated learning system (ILS) was developed as a technology application that provides a teacher-proof, self-sufficient curriculum. However, there has been increased recognition of the need for teacher involvement in the implementation process and greater integration with existing curricula. The Colonial School District of Plymouth Meeting…

This is the fourth in a series of four books presenting a variety of field experience program models and philosophies that drive the programs provided to preservice teachers during their undergraduate teacher preparation. This book focuses on critical issues facing teaching education in the future, in particular field experiences. Major themes…

This packet includes reprints of articles and other information concerning the use of computer networks in small, rural schools. Computer networks can minimize isolation; develop stronger links to the community; access reference information from remote sources; and create professional and academic exchanges for teachers, administrators, and…

The Educational Media and Technology Yearbook (EMTY) is designed to provide media and instructional technology professionals with an up-to-date, single-source overview and assessment of the field of educational technology. The 1995/96 EMTY is divided into eight parts. Part 1 focuses on trends and issues and includes articles on reforming…

Rural community colleges have an important role to play in the economic development of their communities and in preparing community members for technological, economic, and societal changes. Community-based programming (CBP) is one tool utilized by colleges to become aware of local problems by collaborating with citizens, leaders, and…

This document contains four papers that were written in preparation for a national conference on building partnerships to help adult learners make the transition from volunteer literacy to adult education programs. Discussed in "Technology as an Instruction Strategy for Program Transitions" (Eunice N. Askov, Barbara H. Van Horn) are the…

The Educational Media and Technology Yearbook (EMTY) is designed to provide media and instructional technology professionals with an up-to-date, single-source overview and assessment of the field of educational technology. Each volume offers organized access to the hot topics, trends, issues, and advancements in the field, with comprehensive…

Understanding the education agendas being promoted by state and federal politicians is critical in comprehending the factors affecting rural education. Equally important is developing an effective rural school improvement strategy that is viewed favorably by policymakers. Five areas represent the focal points of state and federal education…

"School Stories" is a weekly television series presenting the real life stories of people successfully solving the problems faced by today's students. Each of the eight programs in the series focuses on a particular example: (1) "Connecting with Kids" profiles two veteran teachers and their differing approaches to connecting with their students;…

This booklet identifies major trends and practices in special education and relates them to current and expected changes in school policies and practices. Four specific trends are identified as grounded in evolutionary social forces that are likely to persist and result in lasting changes in school and society. These trends include integration and…

The development of innovative test item types that use multimedia technology to improve item authenticity and interaction and allow for objective scoring through partial-credit scoring methodologies was studied. Science test items were developed for community college developmental students using "Authorware 3.0," an instructional compact disc. The…

This paper presents information on various options designed to improve the education of gifted students in rural areas. The options discussed include: (1) using interactive television systems to offer more challenging courses to gifted students; (2) having rural schools collaborate and share their resources; (3) developing summer programs at…

Instructional technology allows students to visualize complex ideas and understand abstract concepts in a manner that simply is not possible with the use of just lecture and a chalkboard. The use of instructional technology in a class and the impact that it has on students are almost wholly dependent on individual instructors. While a small…

Despite enormous growth of the Internet and its proliferation of tools, resources, and on-line communities, the connection between local learning environments and virtual learning environments remains tenuous. This paper examines this relationship, based upon a case study of an academic unit at the University of Colorado at Denver. Drawing on…