Describes a web-based clearinghouse for information relevant to an experiential learning program in Afro-American Studies at the University of Maryland. The interactive, online learning community connects theory and practice, various constituencies, and diverse forms of experiential learning. Problems with Internet use include limited minority…

Describes general curriculum design principles and specific software design implementations resulting from an ongoing collaboration between software designers and programmers, researchers, and a classroom teacher and his students. Traces the development of E-Lab software in the context of the principles that emerged during the design process.…

Reviews specific ways in which computers can support the basic transcription processes involved in writing, focusing on computer applications that go beyond word processing, including spelling and grammar checkers, speech synthesis, word prediction, and speech recognition. Focuses only on writing mechanics, and clarifies the extent to which…

Distance-learning programs should augment, not replace, the existing classroom. They should expand the elementary curriculum and fill gaps in traditional course offerings. Examples include advanced courses for gifted students, eliminated arts and foreign languages courses, and instruction for homebound students. Program evaluation criteria and…

Describes the electronic theses and dissertations (ETD) program at the University of Virginia (UVA). The system is designed to be easy and self-explanatory. Submission instructions guide the student step-by-step. Screen messages, such as errors, are generated automatically when appropriate, while email messages, regarding the status of the…

Discusses five reasons for the lack of classroom computerization as identified by Larry Cuban's article "The Technology Puzzle." Concludes that the combination of unchanging support systems for teachers with continually increasing professional demands, inherently flawed technologies, and ever-changing advice from computer industry…

Describes the Pathways program of Passaic Valley High School (Little Falls, New Jersey). Pathways calls for 24 students to be divided into teams of six and to work on specific technology-based tasks in groups of two. Teams work in "suites" each with a specific theme: Digital Manufacturing, Community, Free Enterprise, or Communications. The…

Discusses teaching grade 1-8 students programming and complex problem-solving skills using MicroWorlds, a variation of LOGO. Discusses game programming and provides a MicroWorlds "Cat and Mouse" game-planning sheet. Argues that programming instruction fosters creativity, innovation, and patience. (PEN)

Investigated Australian teachers' experience with and skill in information technology. Surveys of elementary and secondary teachers from 400 schools indicated that teachers believed they had basic but not advanced computer skills. They reported low levels of knowledge about information technology developments, identified barriers to using…

Compared expressive language used by preschoolers when engaged at a classroom computer center with that used during free play. Found that mean lengths of utterance showed no significant differences in amount of language spoken, no matter the context. Found exceptions in which one student was more expressive at the computer, and three others were…

Greek preschoolers' level of knowledge about computers was examined as they participated in a classroom project to introduce them to new technologies. The project was based on Vygotsky's theory of socio-cultural learning. Findings suggest that this approach is a successful way to introduce new technologies to young children. (JPB)

Explains that a lectlet is a short Web streamed-audio lecture synchronized to an interactive text-graphics display. Compares lectlet-based distance education to traditional education by simultaneously teaching two courses (one lectlet-based, one traditional) of introductory statistics. Reveals that the lectlets were better than the traditional…

Explores whether the issue of computing technology is included in social studies methods textbooks and to what detail. Discusses how computer technology can be included in social studies instruction and particularly in methods courses. Includes a supplemental bibliography of related readings. (CMK)

To use technology properly, education leaders must understand technology's application in data-driven decision making, how technology intersects with pedagogy, what technology can and cannot do, and how to assess the latest tools and their uses. Sidebars highlight standards for administrators, assessment tools for staff knowledge and school…

Describes how one rural school district provides staff development through an on-line program that is followed up with on-site training. Teachers learn key concepts of learning styles via the on-line program, then receive on-site training followed by 8 hours of field practice. A sidebar examines different learning styles. (SM)