Discusses the benefits of laptop computers in higher education, including students' increased motivation, performance, cooperative learning and critical thinking. Describes a Microsoft/Toshiba pilot laptop learning program, technology implementation models for schools, changes in teaching and learning, and teacher training. (AEF)

The 1996 Telecommunications Act will help breach the gap between information haves and have nots by stimulating competition. Half of US schools are wired for Internet. Only 10% have local area networks. Curricula have not kept up with technological advancements. If government plays a catalyst role, communities everywhere can create high-tech…

Examines the development of a class at Brigham Young University (Utah) that blends distance and face-to-face students in a synchronous class. This case study focuses on how this blended learning environment was experienced by the distance and face-to-face students, as well as by the instructor. (MES)

As the need to access information increases, school librarians must create virtual libraries. Linked to reliable reference resources, the virtual library extends the physical collection and library hours and lets students learn to use Web-based resources in a protected learning environment. The growing number of virtual schools increases the need…

Discusses gender differences in computer literacy and the unsuccessful integration of computer technology and its impact on girls and minorities. Describes a study of fourth graders that investigated attitudes toward books, television, and computers; home access to computers; changes in computer confidence; and links between inequitable access and…

Discusses the use of MOOs (Multi-User Dimension/Dungeon Object Oriented), text-based virtual reality environments, in education. Highlights include connecting to a network; exploring several MOOs to determine which is most appropriate; and familiarizing students with the MOO's interaction and behavior policies, as well as how to operate in the…

Provides a review of school library media research published from 2000-2002. Includes reports from ERIC and dissertations and thesis papers that discuss media specialists, information literacy, student achievement, electronic resources, first amendment rights, Internet use, standards, teacher collaboration, job competencies, mentoring, principals'…

Examined computer attitudes of elementary education students over a 10-year period. Found that the more recent elementary education majors had more prior computer experience and lower computer anxiety than those entering a program earlier in the 10-year period; and that male elementary education majors had higher computer anxiety than female ones.…

Presents an eight-step plan for implementing technology integration. Describes a sixth-grade social studies class that used hypermedia software to complete a research project about the Renaissance. Discusses software selection, teaching computer skills, and the CD-ROM map project. Benefits include positive group interaction, self-expression, and…

Describes the development of an information-literacy curriculum that incorporates media and technology by media specialists in the Mankato Area Public Schools (Minnesota). Topics include identifying current skills; the Big Six information-processing model; grouping skills within the model; curriculum integration; projects to replace traditional…

Describes a student mentoring project that helped integrate technology into middle school classrooms. Discusses students mentoring teachers and peers; online mentoring training; scheduling; media specialist/teacher collaboration; student entrepreneurship; and guidelines. Lists related Web sites for further information. (LRW)

Guidelines are provided for educators to use in exploring the feasibility of technology-oriented tools in teaching and learning based on social-cultural underpinnings, using activity theory as a framework for analysis. This research and development framework is intended to provide a concrete basis for understanding the impact of technology tools…

Examines how an elementary school faculty in a technology-rich environment are acquiring expertise to effectively use technology to facilitate instruction for children. Describes the technology and discusses efforts for staff development. Proposes a model for staff development that includes both computer and curricular innovations. (Author/AEF)

Project CHILD (Computers Helping Instruction and Learning Development) is an innovative computer-integrated instructional program for the elementary school that offers a restructured framework for technology integration in grades K-5 encompassing the subject areas of reading, language arts, and mathematics. The model and materials, teacher role,…

Discusses technology's role in improving teaching and learning for English-language learners (ELLs). Highlights include: problems associated with ELLs' academic underachievement; evidence of how technology can improve learning; a case study that illustrates difficulties teachers of ELL might have in implementing new technology; and how technology…