Explains how the graphing calculator can be used in simulations of physics experiments and how its use for plotting graphs requires a shift in emphasis from obtaining an experimental result to evaluating that result. (DDR)

Concept mapping provides a means for teachers and students to represent their understanding of an area of knowledge. Information from two primary schools suggests that it can be used as a means of evaluating a school's elementary technology program. Information about attitudes/perceptions of technology was constructed into a concept map format.…

Outlines ideas for building interactive home pages for economics classes. Illustrates how to link the home page to course materials, sources of economic data and information, as well as lectures and spreadsheets. Discusses using Internet technology to communicate with, engage, and assess students. (MJP)

As important as access to new media technology is how that technology will be used. Secondary school administrators must take seriously the need to provide a viable program in communications education to prepare students for the next century and to avoid the emergence of a deprived social class consisting of those who cannot use computers. (SM)

Describes the rationale and layout of a "Magic of Multimedia" workshop, a program designed for gifted children (ages 9-12), and housed at Massey University, New Zealand. The multimedia workshop allows gifted children to use HyperStudio to investigate and communicate research findings in creative ways, and encourages social interaction.…

Adaptive technology offers people with disabilities the opportunity not just to use computers, but to use computers to complete tasks that were previously not possible for them. Computers can be used to assist individuals with speech or writing impairments, physical or mobility impairments, visual impairments, and learning disabilities. (Author/JL)

Describes navigation, evaluation, and comprehension skills that instructors should guide students into developing. Outlines a four-step process approach to encourage students to read Web site material for comprehension and discusses application of strategic skills. (AEF)

Examines knowledge about the structure of memory in order to understand the process of writing melodies. Focuses on a study of 25 students who were asked to write two melodies using a computer. Presents the results and offers an example of the function of memory in writing melodies. (CMK)

Introduces other articles in this issue devoted to distributed learning at metropolitan universities. Discusses issues that institutions should address if considering distributed learning: institutional goals and strategic plans, faculty development needs and capabilities, student support services, technical and personnel infrastructure, policies,…

Asserting that providing infrastructure to support online classes is analogous to building a new physical campus adjacent to the pre-existing one, describes the support requirements of online faculty, information technology networks, students, and administrators. Says that if these infrastructure considerations are not addressed near the beginning…

Based on his interactive visualization Web site, the author explores the Web as a tool to build better metaphors for students and emphasizes the pedagogical power of the medium, which, he asserts, remains largely untapped. Discussion includes the use of temporal, special, and parametric process models to increase the pedagogical value of teaching…

Explains what XML (Extensible Markup Language) is; where to find it in a few years (everywhere from Web pages, to database management systems, to common campus applications); issues that will make XML somewhat of an experimental strategy in the near term; and the importance of decision-makers being abreast of XML trends in standards, tools…

Describes the experience of integrating technology with lesson designs through a laboratory of five computers within the classroom. Relates the progression of this experience in three phases, from intellectual resistance to classroom adaptation to critical advocacy. Provides recommendations and lists the initial findings of the laboratory…

Describes an activity in which students create four-part stamp designs using a particular theme, such as sports, that work as a balanced composition, individually and collectively. Addresses how the students created their stamp designs and discusses the students' responses to the project. (CMK)

Notes that with computers and technicians in the schools, with public demand for teaching students to use computers effectively, and with the information that students can now access on the Internet, the roles of both teachers and students have changed drastically. Focuses on some specific software that may assist teachers in guiding students on…