This report provides a brief narrative of the activities of the Mississippi Library Commission in fiscal year 1996, featuring discussion of the Role Planning and Setting Study, telecommunications and technology initiatives, and Libraries Online! project. In the process of developing a strategic 5-year plan, the Mississippi Library Commission…

The introductory section of this guide highlights the progress being made with educational technology and investments in technology by business/industry, innovations by a high school in Greenbrier (Arkansas), actions educators will need to take and challenges that will need to be addressed if technology is to be used successfully in education, and…

This paper presents examples of best case practices of technology use in classes at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU). The examples include successful and not-so-successful applications, with insights on the overall process of incorporating technology into the classroom. The paper focuses on the authors' experience in languages, business, and…

This booklet outlines the information gained from five case studies in New Zealand primary schools on how the use of computers was integrated into the school environment and the curriculum. Principals, teachers, and information technology (IT) coordinators were interviewed about students' use of computers. Information on the equipment available…

This paper provides a snapshot of the computer network security industry and addresses specific issues related to network security in public education. The following topics are covered: (1) security policy, including reasons for establishing a policy, risk assessment, areas to consider, audit tools; (2) workstations, including physical security,…

If the goal of teacher-librarians is to work with teachers to develop information literacy, then how do we model this collaboration for pre-service teachers during their teacher education program? This question was explored in a research study involving university researchers from the University of Prince Edward Island (Canada), teachers, and…

This paper documents the methodology, research process, process interventions, and the resulting quality indicators of a technology staff development project. The project was designed to assist the administration at an elementary school in San Diego (California) in developing a capacity building model of staff development that would support the…

Topics addressed by papers in this proceedings include: World Wide Web-based collaborative learning; using Microsoft Outlook Web access to provide e-mail service on public access computers; helping faculty use technology; installing and maintaining an Internet Service Provider; the role of the Web in enhancing learning; current and future trends…

Analyzes the blended learning environment in an introductory first-year writing course at Brigham Young University (Utah). The success of this course is compared with the tradition version of the course. The paper describes the process and outcomes associated with teaching and learning within a blended learning environment. (MES)

Describes the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Finnish early childhood environments from three perspectives. Examines Finnish national policies on the use of ICT; indicates the prevailing state of ICT use, according to results of international and national surveys; and presents some innovative practices involving the use…

Describes the award-winning technology endeavors and parent involvement programs developed in the Mine Hill School District (New Jersey). Topics include the multiyear plan, community and board of education support, funding, measuring student learning outcomes, and evening computer education programs for parents and children. (LRW)

Discusses the importance of a team of technology teachers, library and information professionals, and administrators working together to achieve technology's potential in schools. Addresses three key questions (What needs to be done?, Who will do it?, and How will it be done?) that this team must answer for successful integration of technology…

Describes the "Information Power: Partnerships for Student Learning" (1998) guidelines and their significance for school library media specialists. Discusses standards in three broad areas (information literacy, independent learning, and social responsibility), roles and responsibilities of media specialists technology integration,…

The United States senator describes NetDay events, fast-spreading celebrations of educational partnerships committed to technological advancement in schools. Three attitude shifts help technology improve education: (1) educators and software developers creating instructional tools that help all students; (2) policymakers ensuring universal access…

Selecting and using effective instructional strategies is a challenge facing those involved with preservice teacher education. Two instructional strategies with emerging empirical support include WebQuests and Case Method Instruction; however, both have limitations. This study examined the effects of using a CaseQuest--a hybrid of WebQuests and…