Highlights two recent studies in the field of distance education. C.N. Gunawardena and F.J. Zittle found a high degree of variation between learner satisfaction and social presence in a computer-mediated communication environment. J. McDonald and C. Campbell-Gibson study demonstrated that groups meeting in a synchronous computer-mediated course…

The Hilton Central School District, New York, utilized the collective bargaining process to create a financial incentive that would motivate teachers to achieve a baseline level of technological competency. Describes the negotiated agreement, results obtained during the initial year of implementation, and future plans. (MLF)

Describes a computer-based adaptation of a case management model, Computer-Assisted Risk Accountability System (CARAS), which provides an on-site, desktop evaluation tool for school-based case management teams to manage their cases efficiently. Discusses the user-friendliness of the CARAS software; how school programs benefit from CARAS; and CARAS…

Discusses trade-offs and ramifications of technology use in schools. Cutbacks in proven staples of mental development (arts, music, drama, and physical education) are used to finance technology programs. Youngsters often use educational software for mindless fun. Few advocates consider how extended computer usage affects children's developing…

A study analyzed the functions of 25 publicly accessible college-course Web sites, then surveyed some of the sites' authors. All sites performed course-management functions valued by instructors; a small subset also demonstrated easily implemented, successful, and pedagogically interesting uses of the World Wide Web. Pages conveyed implicit and…

With minimal costs, desktop-presentation programs such as PowerPoint can be a first step in introducing computer technology into the college classroom. They offer visual appeal, capacity for organizing notes, animated graphics, more class time for interactive activities, up-to-date information through links to the World Wide Web, and the ability…

A project created tasks and tools to investigate quality and nature of 11- to 14-year-old pupils' reasoning with quantitative and qualitative computer-based modeling tools. Tasks and tools were used in two innovative modes of learning: expressive, where pupils created their own models, and exploratory, where pupils investigated an expert's model.…

Describes a university/elementary school partnership where elementary school teachers were provided with professional support through monthly meetings, instructional support through two inservice workshops, and technical support in part by students (third to fifth grade) trained to serve as technology "experts." Findings indicate increases in…

Relates questions and suggestions from teachers about integrating the Internet and CD-ROM's into social studies instruction. Provides three guiding principles for planning Internet activities in response to teachers' questions. Includes examples of successful projects created by teachers. Argues that successful Internet projects require teachers…

Describes the introduction of computer-based assessment (CBA) in a first-year module in geographical data analysis, and evaluates student opinion and performance in response to this. Finds that students generally reacted positively and that overall module evaluations improved; student interest and examination performance (based on average test…

Presents a lesson plan using the Internet to have students research significant events in the history of the expansion of constitutional rights. Includes a background statement, list of objectives, outline of procedures, handout with instructions and a list of suggested topics, and a handout for evaluating Web sites. (DSK)

Analyzes Web-searching behavior for homework assignments of high school students through field observations in class and at the computer terminal with students thinking aloud, and through interviews with various participants. Results emphasize the need for training and for system design based on user seeking and search behavior. (Author/LRW)

Presents a perspective on the growing and evolving nature of distance learning, its history, and the research that informs practice. Explores the development of online distance education and discusses considerations in designing online instruction, including pedagogical concerns, organizational issues, and institutional issues. (AEF)

Defines the six key pressures that have given rise to the emerging enterprise academic-computing imperative. These include the pressure to (1) improve instructional quality; (2) unify disparate academic-computing resources; (3) demonstrate return on network investment; (4) reach more students; (5) lower costs in delivery of instruction; and (6)…

Examines the distribution of student Internet use across 152 schools in the National School Network, schools that were among the first to provide direct Internet access for networked computers. Discusses socioeconomic status differences, student ability, teacher differences, school population ethnicity, the Internet as innovation, and a vision for…