Describes a taxonomy of computer user modes in distance education and identifies three major learning and behavioral processes that are extended by computers: (1) information processing; (2) interaction; and (3) communication. Highlights for each process include the relationship to other media, pedagogical functions, hardware and software, and…

Provides an overview of CD-ROMs for use in elementary and secondary school libraries. Highlights include advantages of CD-ROM; availability by grade level and by curriculum areas; costs; formats; trends; evaluating and selecting titles; 20 recommended titles; and CD-ROM distributors. (two references) (LRW)

A strategy is presented for using media exposure to increase evaluation use, including reasons for using media, suggestions about whether to use mass (print and electronic) or specialized (interest-group oriented trade) media, and 10 recommendations for effective use. Program change can be accelerated when media are used effectively. (SLD)

The restructured school library is an "information utility" furnishing information power to foster student thinking and commitment to lifelong learning. Library media specialists should be master teachers well versed in educational technology. Applying information power involves overcoming negative images of librarians and improving…

A national survey revealed that college English professors still rely heavily on traditional literary texts but are adding new books, asking new questions, and using new teaching approaches. A majority of respondents said a goal was to help students understand the influence of race, class, and gender in literature. (MSE)

Effective presentations require planning what to say, identifying and selecting media needs, getting ready for the presentation, and attention to details that may influence it. Types of presentations include development projects, analytical papers and literature reviews, and research presentations. The goal in each case is to combine good content…

Discusses the use of videodisk technology to teach biology. Presents videodisk selection criteria for biology teachers, lists 13 biology videodisks and their suppliers, and lists videodisks offered with biology textbooks. (MDH)

A miniresearch project is reported on the attitudes toward minority groups and women in English textbooks used in Israel. The questionnaire and 12 criteria used offer a simple method by which teachers can examine and select materials they review for class use. (LB)

Study identified types of software applications and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software chosen over three years by secondary mathematics teachers enrolled in a graduate level computers-in-education course. Subjects learned four relevant general computer applications and various CAI programs. They unanimously rejected drill and practice…

Schools and districts are most vulnerable to censorship challenges when they fail to establish sound, equitable policies and procedures or to honor those they have. Schools should promote an honest, consistent flow of information; insist on an instructionally sound media-selection rationale; and develop clear policies, procedures, and criteria for…

Begins with a tribute to Professor G. Ram Reddy (founder of Indira Gandhi National Open University), then focuses on enhancing the role of open universities in providing borderless distance education. Highlights include the need for open distance-education; philosophy and vision; the distance teaching system; the role of information technology;…

This article first defines instructional technology and provides examples for early childhood special education in general, identifies current issues in higher education, and then identifies specific instructional designs, strategies, and media applications for persons involved in early childhood special education personnel preparation. (Contains…

Discusses instructional design for distance education and suggests a systematic process. Topics include planning; learners; course content; teaching strategies; selection of media; learning environments; technology; resources; and evaluation, including learner assessment and instruction evaluation. (LRW)

The unprecedented growth of the World Wide Web has resulted in a profusion of educational resources. The challenge for faculty is finding these resources and integrating them into their instruction. Even after the resource is found, the instructor must assess the effectiveness of the resource. As the number of educational web sites mount into the…

This manual is intended to help educators of students with disabilities select and implement a social skills program through a five-step decision process, either manually or by use of software (available in both PC-DOS and Macintosh formats). After an introductory chapter, the second chapter focuses on what social skills are, why they are…