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)

The events of September 11, 2001 have made it clear to teachers that curriculum content and how it is taught cannot be stationary. Teachers are incorporating the unfolding events into their lessons. Textbook companies are scrambling to produce materials to help teachers address the situation. Students question teachers' knowledge because they have…

Discusses how distance education can solve South Africa's problems of access to quality higher education, noting the need for radical shifts in perspective and sophisticated understanding of academic literacy. Explores key features of proposals by the Council on Higher Education (developing human capital and reducing high levels of structural…

A survey of faculty and students at Middle Tennessee State University verified the importance of instructional technology in teaching and learning while pointing out areas for further development, such as students' concerns about weakness in pedagogical application of technology. (EV)

Describes the process of bringing a college preparatory school up to industry standard in technology. To enhance the project's success, the school provided faculty with laptop computers and training classes, and made use of 15 of its own students who were getting their Microsoft Certified Professional certification. (NB)

Suggests ways for educational institutions to avoid wasting money on software, including: (1) training staff properly; (2) considering the total costs of owning and maintaining software before purchasing it; and (3) finding out if the software will run properly on the school's hardware and network. Asserts that all of the hardware, connections,…

Asserts that, regardless of college size and budget, an Internet presence is attainable and will help increase the quantity and quality of communication between students, staff and faculty. Adds that this elevated level of interaction should result in time savings, increased registrations, higher retention, and happier students. (NB)

Lists 13 different Internet search engines that might be of interest to educators, including: AOL Search, Alta Vista, Google, Lycos, Northern Light, and Yahoo. Gives a brief description of each search engine's capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses and includes Web addresses of U.S. government offices, including the U.S. Department of Education.…

Reports that the Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC) (Missouri) upgraded their information systems in four years, for less than $7 million. Offers advice based on lessons learned in the MCC process, including: (1) identify implementation leadership among veteran staff; (2) train everyone who will use the system; and (3) test and test again. (NB)

Offers the reflections of a teacher who is retiring in the year 2015 after a 40 year teaching career. Focuses on the role technology had on the changes she experienced as a teacher. Discusses different forms of technology, such as visualization software and Geographic Information Systems, and the role of a teacher. (CMK)