Describes the University of Exeter (UK), Mondex, and NatWest UK smartcard-based campus card system project. Smartcards, wallet-sized plastic cards with microprocessors, interface with network terminal devices and are programmable as data, identity, and finance cards. International standard multiple operating system (MULTOS) increases current…

The Optimizer in Quattro Pro and the Solver in Excel software programs make solving linear and nonlinear optimization problems feasible for business mathematics students. Proposes ways in which the Optimizer or Solver can be coaxed into solving systems of linear equations. (ASK)

Presents four computer applications that can complement the work of peer helper trainers and peer helpers themselves. The applications include multimedia presentations, databases, desktop publishing, and the Internet. The article describes each application and also discusses the use of electronic mail, KeyPals, Listserv, and the World Wide Web to…

Confusion over the role to be played by technology in college instruction is common, with administration sometimes in opposition to faculty over transformation of courses into courseware and the action of teaching into commercially viable property. The major proponents of such a transformation include vendors of network hardware, software, and…

Presents the Executive Summary of a report commissioned by the Software Publishers Association to summarize educational technology research conducted from 1990 through 1997. Conclusions are discussed in terms of general findings, effect on student achievement and motivation/self-concept, and effectiveness of interactions involving educators and…

Offers free software for timing experiments, instructions for making a timing interface and a variety of switch sensors for any IBM-compatible computer, and suggestions for experiments. (AIM)

Offers a foundation for presenting communication technologies to undergraduate and graduate students that overcomes prevalent obstacles to their grasping and using computer-mediated communication for research and learning. Describes three goals to be met by such instruction; outlines three instructional units, including activities and suggested…

Defines computer conferencing as teaching that involves students performing their learning activities in shared (networked) computer workplaces. Asserts that lecturing does not ensure learning, nor is it effective in showing students how to learn independently. Presents computer conferencing as a practical way to merge instructivism and…

Describes the Instructional Technology Project (ITP) at Floyd College (Georgia), a two-year school where every student must lease a laptop computer to access CD-ROMs and the Internet. Focuses on issues such as how the laptops are used and Internet research. Argues against a total virtual education and assesses the contribution of the laptops. (CMK)

This article shares how four students with severe disabilities in one Kentucky classroom achieved a "distinguished" rating, the highest rating, on their alternate portfolios by using the IntelliKeys keyboard as an alternative computer input device for the production of the alternate portfolio. It discusses tips for customizing IntelliKeys…

Ten articles discuss experiential learning in agricultural education as it relates to career development, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), 4-H, technological tools such as electronic recordkeeping, a rationale for experiential learning, and the relevance of SAE to today's students. (JOW)

Describes online mentoring, or "telementoring" relationships, and how they differ from traditional mentoring, apprenticeship, and tutoring. Discusses the design and use of a telementored curriculum unit in middle school science and provides a set of general guidelines to aid teachers and administrators in designing and carrying out their own…

Addresses: (1) distance learning as a strategy for educational access; (2) nontraditional students as traditional distance learners; (3) asynchronous distance learning; (4) synchronous distance learning; (5) access as a necessary but insufficient measure of opportunity; (6) using technology wisely and well; (7) eclectic learning opportunities for…

Offers points to consider when deciding whether to begin a full-scale campus portal project. Discusses approaches for creating campus portals; implementation strategies; barriers to implementation; and the potential ability of portals to extend the academic experience beyond the classroom to create 21st century learning communities. (AEF)

Presents basic questions for schools to consider in deciding between late and early adoption of new curriculum systems. Outlines rules of thumb for setting up contracts for new Web-based technologies. Suggests that good planning in the initial stages will ameliorate most of the problems that can occur. Concludes with two additional guidelines:…