Describes a project where an exemplary art educator's class presentation was recorded on videodisk along with background information and a personal interview. The lesson plan and other instructional materials are entered in hypertext. The two are combined in an integrated multimedia program organized under instructive, hypertext headings. (MJP)

Maintains that the explosion of information and teaching resources (multimedia, audio-visual, computer networks) represents a mixed blessing. Argues that the proliferation of information access necessitates students learning critical and evaluative skills. Discusses the implications of this for social studies instruction. (MJP)

Aided by developing technologies, society is moving from its traditional "gathering" pattern (collecting individuals for work, recreation, voting, medical care, and shopping) to a "degathering," decentralized pattern. Alternative schooling formats, such as home schooling, are a likely consequence. Educators who fail to restructure their…

Responds to a recent critical report on computers in childhood. Highlights include computers, children, and research; social and emotional development; types of software; motivation; social and cognitive interactions; cognitive development; creativity; language and literacy; writing and word processing; mathematics and reasoning; and science and…

Discusses reasons childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and the numerous health problems that can result. Suggests parents incorporate physical activity into their family's lifestyle; advocate for daily outdoor recess at school; provide healthful meals; respect their child's appetite; not use food for comfort or as reward; and limit…

To improve instructional computer use by university faculty, an inservice program consisting of showcases, seminars, and workshops was funded, designed, and implemented. The program proved to be a cost-effective way for administrators to promote classroom use of computers by fostering faculty's confidence and computer self-efficacy. Seminar topics…

Maintains that a common set of principles governs all tutoring, no matter what the age range, and extending to a variety of formats (including computers). Compares Lev Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development with "scaffolding," both concepts relating to the process of effective educational cooperation between adults and children. (MJP)

Reviews two software programs, "PhoneDisc Business95" and "BusinessMAP LTF," that offer user-friendly, low-cost, and quick methods of identifying and mapping patterns of the names of U.S. businesses. This software can be used to help students understand how populations see and define themselves regionally and visualize the demographic spread of…

Details how to begin designing, implementing, and evaluating educational media in the geography classroom. Describes an approach to educational multimedia design focused on a coherent set of multimedia design standards informed by an understanding of evaluation functions. Includes illustrations from multimedia instructional screens. (MJP)

Reviews a list of seven Web sites that provide extensive information on software available from educational agencies or companies specializing in media products. Recommends 15 social studies software programs covering a variety of topics including the Mayan civilization, Abraham Lincoln, and the Vietnam War. (MJP)

Babson College (Massachusetts) responded to expanded campus computer use and resulting demand for support services by developing service delivery tailored to user groups' needs. Resources devoted to this effort have grown dramatically, and include help desk and dispatch support, program of technology specialists, evening support to residence…

Outlines the wealth of opportunity provided by electronic media applicable to political science instruction. Reviews CD-ROM text supplements, tutorial packages, and databases. Briefly summarizes online sources and websites including the CIA World Factbook, Congressional Quarterly, United Nations gopher, and Supreme Court rulings. (MJP)

The Texas legislature has provided funding for the initiation of professional development schools, locally known as centers for professional development and technology. This article examines the concept from the perspective of resources that will be needed to institutionalize field-based, technology-intensive teacher education programs. (Author/SM)

Texas Tech University offers online courses in special education for graduate credit or inservice education. This approach addresses the problems of time, distance, resources, and expertise experienced by rural educators. Unenrolled practitioners not interested in returning to school can access chat rooms and threaded discussions to get support…

Presents seven reading activities involving the preschool classroom writing environment, using big books and predictable books, using cereal boxes to foster emergent literacy, using editorials, visual-auditory links, reading outside the classroom, and ownership of writing. (MG)