The population of the United States is growing more culturally diverse each year, and this diversity is clearly evident among families with young children; however, individuals who work in early childhood programs are not as diverse as those they serve. Moreover, many early childhood professionals have little preparation for working with families…

This paper focuses on the way a multi-criteria decision making methodology is applied in the case of agent-based selection of offered learning objects. The problem of selection is modeled as a decision making one, with the decision variables being the learner model and the learning objects' educational description. In this way, selection of…

This paper discusses Web evaluation standards set up by librarians, by search engine companies, by Web site diagnostic services, and by educators or school districts. The online or print-based Web site evaluation standards published by educators for students and other educators are found to be most useful to meeting the need of guidance for K-12…

A survey of social studies professors in Australian colleges and universities showed that curriculum materials analysis is not a major emphasis in elementary methods courses. (RM)

Two former teachers of French as a foreign language reflect on their experiences in that role and more recently as French native language instructors at the same level, focusing on differences in audience, objectives, texts, and methods of instruction and student evaluation. (MSE)

A discussion of the use of cartoons and humorous vignettes in French instruction is presented. It is suggested that there exists a wealth of such material but little guidance in using it. Problems of cultural context, understanding the use of pictures, and potential for classroom discussion are considered. (MSE)

Schools with successful computer programs often got them as the result of a determined teacher's efforts. Computer experts explain how teachers can: (1) gain access to a computer; (2) read up on the subject; (3) win financial support; and (4) learn to evaluate software. A guide to summer study programs at colleges and other organizations is…

Discusses the problems involved in matching differences between learners and differences between different types of media to improve the learning process. Thirty-eight references are cited. (CHC)

Describes an approach to the utilization of news items and ads from a local newspaper in the culture and civilization classes of a French language program for foreign students. Suggests criteria for the selection of materials by students and provides examples of "grids" that facilitate the content analysis of texts. (MES)

Examines the need for integrating assumptions about learning processes with the decisions typically made when designing instructional systems. The relationships between learning theory and instructional design are discussed, and suggestions offered for improving the design process. Extensive references are included. (Author/BK)

Focuses on potential values (for example, saving time and money and presenting high quality materials) of using packaged courses or programs for training. Examines some objections to prepackaged materials. Offers planning and decision-making suggestions for choosing suitable materials. Proposes questions for evaluating commercial programs. (CSS)

In the process of selecting materials for school collections, the media supervisor functions as a manager: planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. (Author)

In a study of attending behavior during the crossover period (12-13 years), when preferences shift from auditory to visual stimuli, females switched their preferences significantly earlier than did males. Besides biological factors, these sex differenes were attributed to differential conditioning of attitudes, reinforcement, and discrimination…

Describes experiences resulting from teaching two online graduate courses in special education and instructional design. Teaching techniques in online instruction are discussed, including (1) the context of teaching online; (2) preparation for online instruction; (3) teaching strategies; (4) evaluation strategies; and (5) placing online teaching…

A third-year university French composition course aims to develop student interest in/knowledge about a topic; promote discussion/writing of ideas, personal opinions, and experiences; help students explore the topic through progressively more difficult writing tasks; focus on communication of ideas, with some attention given to form; teach…