Recent forms of technology which have essentially altered the types of services that libraries can provide are discussed in five articles. The areas covered include the problematic aspects of automating reference services, a successful goal oriented approach to automating reference services, and the impact of new technologies on school media…

Presents a model for working with students at risk, helping them develop critical thinking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Includes cooperation of the local community relations officer for the police department. (RAE)

Asserts that traditional approaches to art education ignore such issues as the effect of the social and political environment on the production of art, and the influence of the marketplace. Contrasts the views of working artists and art educators on a set of broad issues including media and technology. (MJP)

This case study describes a boy from kindergarten through third grade with above average intelligence but difficulty learning to read, write, and spell. The paper emphasizes the human approach to learning, which took into account the boy's strong points, unique learning style, strong sense of responsibility, and the need to alleviate feelings of…

Describes three perspectives from which middle school teachers can plan laboratory activities for the purpose of improving students' scientific literacy. Perspectives are the learning cycle approach categorizing activities by stages of development; problem-solving skills approach categorizing activities according to the amount of teacher control;…

This pretest/posttest study measured the change in computer literacy and attitudes toward computers among 36 preservice teachers enrolled in an introductory computer training course that was focused on developing programing skills. Independent variables included age, gender, locus of control, final grade in the course, and prior experience in word…

Shared cultural backgrounds and norms about how to use language can influence classroom interactions for minorities, including African Americans. Research finds serious problems when teachers' interactional styles differ from that of students' home communities. The differences can prevent full student participation and limit academic progress.…

Presents viewpoints of five persons actively engaged in academic libraries or library schools on new skills that may be desirable for reference librarians in the future. Topics discussed include reference skills; communication skills; management skills; literacy in computer technology; specialization; implications of the information age;…

Describes resources useful to library media specialists in planning future programs. Areas addressed include library and information skills instruction; collection management; global trends; educational trends; changes in an information society; technology background and maintenance; hypermedia; educational television, including cable; and books…

Describes the Hilltop Emergent Literacy Project (HELP) in Toledo (Ohio), an afterschool educational program for poor, mostly African American, students in kindergarten through grade 3, and evaluates its effects on 12 kindergartners in comparison with a control group of 12 kindergartners. Program effectiveness is supported. (SLD)

Describes the 10-year development of the Rough Rock English-Navajo Language Arts Program (RRENLAP) to improve the teaching of language, literacy, and biliteracy. Discusses collaboration between Rough Rock and the Hawaii-based Kamehameha Early Education Program, key RRENLAP instructional features, and the role of bilingual teachers in the struggle…

Reports findings from the Computers in Education Study (COMPED) conducted in 1989 by the International Association for the Evaluation Achievement (IEA). Discusses problems associated with failure to adopt computers in schools, staff development, gender differences, and administrative use of computers in schools. (CFR)

Provides a sculpture analysis lesson on aesthetic scanning designed to avoid the monotony of step-by-step discussion of sensory, formal, technical, and expressive properties of works of art. Offers four questions on sculpture analysis. Concludes that variety in aesthetic scanning is essential to keep both students and teachers motivated. (KM)

Discussion of the gender gap in computer-related activities focuses on a study of high school seniors that examined sex differences in library anxiety, computer anxiety, and anxiety in using computers for library research. The relationship between library anxiety and computer anxiety is explored, and further research is suggested. (21 references)…

In spite of increasing ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity, educational reform efforts continue to target mainstream English-speaking U.S. public. The educational plans of the America 2000 initiative are no exception. This theme issue provides examples of classroom-based research in which educators try to improve literacy education for…