Provides a brief history of Japanese early childhood education. Explains that the kindergarten idea came from Western countries and was adapted to Japanese society by the Ministry of Education and by Christian missionaries. Presents examples of these adaptations in the Japanese translations of Froebel's books as well as in the development of…

Discusses developments in distance learning technologies and uses in K-12 education. Describes applications and technologies currently in use, including electronic field trips, audiographics, interactive satellite television programs, two-way interactive television systems, and the Internet and World Wide Web. Examines future practices using…

Describes the history and development of Wyoming's seven community colleges, which are overseen and coordinated by the seven-member Community College Commission. Discusses the colleges' 1990 management audit by outside consultants, whose recommendations led to 1991's Post Secondary Education Omnibus Act. Presents the distinct characteristics of…

Reviews the issues and trends of vocational/technical education development in less-developed countries focusing on four topics: (1) cost of investment in education; (2) relevance of education and training programs; (3) equity for the trained population; and (4) alternative training and education programs and effects on productivity. (CMK)

Traces development of policy and legislation since 1994, when a unitary non-racial system of education/training was introduced in South Africa. Notes major paradigm shift in education policy, reflecting a move from a dual, special, and general education system towards transforming general education to address all learners' diverse learning needs.…

Describes some of the many conceptions of learning that have guided the field of instructional design in two main periods: one focusing on learning from an objectivist perspective, which lasted most of the 20th century, and one focusing on learning from cognitive and social constructivist perspectives, which has dominated the past decade. (AEF)

Proposes that technology planning is a key component in efforts to help schools realize the intended beliefs of learning technologies. Discusses four characteristics of successful planning for technology and the three major varieties of technology plans. Concludes that the problem with technology in schools begins with poor planning. (AEF)

Examines features of an inquiry-based learning community. Discusses the five critical elements of a program developed to promote a community of inquiry, called Fostering a Community of Learners (FCL) (Brown, 1994, 1997). Discusses applying technology and describes two findings related to the development of communities of learning. (AEF)

Discusses the online learning situation within the context of Massey University (New Zealand). Highlights some of the information technology-based research developments and projects embarked upon by the University, and discusses how online learning environments are gradually adopted by students and faculty. (AEF)

Focuses on distance learning ventures. Discusses surviving for-profit ventures of traditional universities; other distance learning ventures that appear to be working; the state of virtual universities and consortia; lessons learned from online for-profit ventures; challenges; and a strategy for traditional non-profit institutions to develop a…

Discusses the decreased importance of educational planning to educational development, and the reasons for this trend. Analyzes basic assumptions in the relationship between planning and research. Uses examples from Latin America to illustrate available alternatives for re-establishing an effective relationship between research and educational…

Discusses the development of an activity program for physically disabled children. Notes that physical state of the children and the content of activities should be considered when designing strategies for physical development. Appropriate activities are suggested for a number of disabilities. Criteria for an exemplary program are set forth. (KO)

Compares Australia's and Britains' higher education "binary system," consisting of university and non-university (colleges of advanced education or polytechnics) sectors. Examines problems, politics, and processes involved when institutions attempt to bridge sectors. Reviews examples of cross-sectorial amalgamation in both countries and…

Outlines the historical origins of grammar-school teacher training by placing the origin of the training college within the context of the educational system development. Relates Friedrich Gedike's concept of teacher training to his pedagogical theory. Portrays the training college as a successful part of the early reform of the Prussian school…

Points out there is an urgent need for specialized teacher education to promote the transition to modern agricultural production. Notes that, if more students are to attend middle and secondary schools in rural areas, there is a need for more rural teachers. Notes the close relationship between qualified personnel and economic development. (NL)