This paper discusses the concept of diversity of course components in the context of an online staff development course at the United Kingdom Open University. In addition to FirstClass computer conferencing and Web content, RealAudio was used in both synchronous and asynchronous modes. The purpose of its use was to add diversity and focus, which…

This document presents and explains the Institute for Experiential Learning's Standards of Excellence for Experiential Education through Internships, which were developed to generate a discussion in the higher education community on the academic standards that should serve as benchmarks for assessing the elements of good practice in internship…

Instructional design (ID) case studies that pose authentic ill-defined design problems in realistic environments can help instructional design students bridge the gap between novice and expert practice. Over the past 3 years, the authors have explored aspects of this educational approach through the development of World Wide Web-based…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the process used by learners to direct, locate, and integrate information resources for use in a project-based environment. Four cases (n=9, including three group projects and one individual project) were analyzed from an introductory educational technology course for preservice teachers during a unit…

This exploratory study examined a field-based project in which preservice teacher candidates and faculty collaborated to implement a problem-centered, technology integrated curriculum for a multiage (4th, 5th, and 6th grade) intersession at Timber Lane Elementary School. Content included detective skills such as fingerprinting and handwriting…

This paper is a mid-project report of a study being conducted of a block of education methods courses (i.e., courses on classroom management, content area reading, secondary methods, and the professional educator) for students seeking emergency certification. This block is being taught 80% asynchronously through the Internet and 20% synchronously…

This paper is a report on the findings of a study conducted during an undergraduate computer science class for preservice teacher educators which was restructured using constructivist principles. Qualitative analysis techniques were applied to field notes, transcripts of computer-mediated discourse, project evaluations, an interview with the…

"Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments" describes the most contemporary psychological and pedagogical theories that are foundations for the conception and design of open-ended learning environments and new applications of educational technologies. In the past decade, the cognitive revolution of the 60s and 70s has been…

Hot off the press comes the guide to the next generation of education reform. Dan Hull and some of the nation's leading practitioners and educational leaders show how to remake high schools to improve academic outcomes, prepare students for today's high-skills workplace, and motivate them to learn because they see a pathway to their future.…

The unique characteristics of migrant and seasonal families are important concerns for the Office of Head Start, yet the research and evaluation efforts that address this segment of the Head Start program have been limited. This study was designed to ascertain the state of research knowledge about Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs;…

SpringBoard is a program in Mathematics and English Language Arts for students in grades 6 through 12. The College Board first began work on developing rigorous instructional content and assessments in the early 1990s through a program called Pacesetter. While the original focus of Pacesetter was 4th year high school courses, Pacesetter users…

The arithmetic with which the American schoolboy of the twentieth century wrestles differs in many respects from the "cyphering" which was truly a stumbling block to many a child in colonial days. Not only have there been significant changes in the subject matter of arithmetic, but also in the aim of instruction, in the place of…

Describes the planning and implementation of a locally developed program built on superintendent leadership, administrator and teacher participation, and community support. Outlines the work done by steering and curriculum committees and their role in garnering community support. Recent evidence suggests a decrease in school and classroom…

Presents a case study of the development of kinship care policy in Illinois due to court decisions regarding the provision of financial support to relatives acting as foster parents. Compares recent reform of kinship care policies in Illinois with welfare reform efforts across the country and their national implications. (SD)

Discusses problems related to urban education and suggests ways that classrooms may be restructured. Concludes that educators must draw on both environmental factors such as the home and the classroom social group, and academic and organizational alliances in order to effect meaningful change in urban schools. (MW)