Examines the introduction of electronic mail into three elementary schools. A contingency model of technology adoption by organizations was used to develop the instruments and interpret results. Findings indicated that a majority of the contingency factors (expectations, influence of peers and administrators, training, technical support, and…

Recounts the discussions at the five-day Bishop's Institute for Social Communication in September 1999 held in Bangkok, Thailand to study and reflect on the impact of new communication technologies for "Being Church" in the 21st century. Describes the passion with which the local Church in Asia embraces of the countless possibilities…

Investigated interaction patterns of first graders working in three small groups to compose stories on the computer over a 5-month period. Found that several social goals guided children's actions. Differential status within partnerships was reflected in types of social behaviors displayed. Common interaction patterns included using one another as…

Discusses the change from a teacher-centered approach when computers were first used in the classroom to a learner-centered approach. Highlights each of six articles presented in this special issue that explore the issues related to using the computer as a tool to learning with, rather than to learn from. (AEF)

Focuses on how geographic information systems (GIS) software can be used to help simplify the integration of math and science. Discusses the importance of an integrated mathematics and science model, and how GIS can be used to help unite the two disciplines. Provides a lesson plan for teachers using GIS. (AEF)

Discusses the impact of technology such as graphing calculators or statistical software packages on statistics instruction and curriculum as it makes teaching some topics unnecessary, makes instruction in some topics better, and allows for the teaching of some topics that have never been taught. (ASK)

Examines how educational technology's architecture preempts policy decisions, discussing filtering, copyright, and password protection. Outlines four aspects of technology that must be understood before crafting policy: (1) identify critical issues; (2) anticipate vicarious results; (3) explore the range of policies; (4) consider stakeholders'…

Reviews notable education books: "The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager" (Thomas Hine); "The Big Test" (Nicholas Lemann); "The Educated Child" (William Bennett); "Lost Boys" (James Garbarino); "The Schools Our Children Deserve" (Alfie Kohn); "Ready or Not" (Kay Hymowitz); "High…

Discusses the teaching methods shaping the classroom of tomorrow, where sixth graders carry laptops and teachers work in teams. Space requirements for departmentalized vs. interdisciplinary education are examined as are the types of materials and furniture used in design classrooms for block scheduling, and differing instruction methods changing…

This article describes the CHECK procedure for teaching students with learning disabilities skills in the actual operation of a computer spell-check. Students are urged to check the beginning sound, hunt for correct consonants, examine the vowels, make changes, and keep repeating the process. (CR)

Suggests that to best appreciate technology, one should be able to leap between aesthetic and technological mindsets, between poetry and computers. Illustrates how the inevitable breakdowns in technologically-assisted learning can be used as opportunities to "flex one's creativity." (AEF)

Explains the origins and growth of distance education, the media used, type of students it attracts, and identifies advantages and disadvantages of utilizing distance education. Gives a brief profile of distance education in the United States. (AEF)

Lists steps to follow when planning a course online: assess needs and necessary conditions to satisfy them; estimate development cost, effort, and implications; plan the virtual classroom; design the virtual classroom; prepare and distribute contents; enable communication; implement online student assessment methods; implement class management…

Describes a study of Nigerian university and research librarians that examined the relationships between knowledge, training, and experience of librarians on the use of computers and their attitudes towards the computer. Results indicate that there are significant relationships between these variables and computer attitudes. (Author/LRW)

Describes "QUEST", an Internet resource developed by The British Natural History Museum to stimulate young children's interest in science. (Author)