The Internet has tremendous potential for K-12 education. However, learning how to exploit that potential remains an important problem. This paper uses ideas from situated learning and the deschooling movement to address the argument that there has been no significant reform (technology-based or otherwise) of public education for over a century. A…

This final report of a comprehensive five-year evaluation process focused on examining the progress of the statewide implementation of Internet technology, as well as the general impact on teachers, students, and schools of statewide connectivity and training efforts in K-12 schools in Nebraska. The evaluation process was based on three primary…

New standards in the state of Virginia are being instituted to require that professional development programs for pre-service principals include experience with technology. This study was designed to identify relevant topics that should be part of that experience. Surveys and interviews were used to gather information from in-service principals…

This document consists of 14 consecutive issues of "The News," a newsletter of the Community College League of California. The lead articles of these issues are as follows: (1) Silicon Valley Executives Urge Colleges to Innovate, Network; (2) Policy Center Calls on Higher Education Leaders to Plan for Huge Wave of Students; (3)…

This study evaluates the use of graphing calculators in the science classroom within the context of a collaborative action research approach. A class of diversified middle-class students (n=650) defined by teachers and administrators as "above average" were studied. Initially, information was gathered on current classroom management techniques as…

This study compared the benefits and costs associated with online versus paper-and-pencil surveys for a random sample of undergraduate students. Students completed the College Selection Survey, which had them evaluate the soundness of 10 reasons for choosing, or not choosing, to attend the university, if they could make their choice over again.…

The purpose of this study was to explore issues arising from the proliferation in use of electronic survey methods in higher education. Specifically, it examined whether response rates differed between surveys administered utilizing traditional, mailed, paper-and-pencil instruments and surveys administered utilizing electronic mail (e-mail) and…

This booklet discusses issues to consider when using instructional media in higher education. Section 1 highlights quality control, discussing such key questions as how accountability and responsibility for creating instruction are determined and what the faculty's role is in determining how courses are to be adapted and delivered. Section 2…

This book consists of two complete units on meteorology. The first unit is created for lower elementary students and the second one is for upper elementary grade levels. The units are designed for gifted students and encourage students to be responsible for their own education. Each unit is based on an interdisciplinary approach. Suggestions for…

This book presents 14 papers that offer guidance to college teachers venturing into online instruction. It is based on the experiences and ideas of faculty at the University of Phoenix (Arizona) online campus, which has been offering online courses since 1989. Chapters in the book discuss the importance of interaction and feedback, learner…

The report summarizes results of a National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC) member survey concerning the use and support of information technology on the campuses. An introductory section offers background information on the challenges facing NASULGC members in building an advanced infrastructure for information…

In January 1998, seven school boards amalgamated to form the Toronto District School Board, a board responsible for 600 schools. To deal with the complexities of the new entity, researchers have been using geographical information systems (GIS). GIS are computer-based tools for mapping. They store information as a collection of thematic layers or…

This project was part of the program evaluation of the Iowa Distance Education Alliance, a Star Schools Project funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Thirty Iowa high schools were selected to represent the state. Interviews were conducted with students, faculty, and administration at each of these schools; results were transcribed and…

This final report discusses the outcomes of a 3-year project that studied the effectiveness of word processing tools in improving the literacy skills of students with learning disabilities in grades 4-12. In Year 1 (1994-95), four text entry strategies were compared in 132 students with learning disabilities: keyboarding instruction, alternative…

This paper reports on a study of issues teacher educators face as they attempt to integrate technology into their instructional program: (1) the support they receive for use of technology, (2) their expectations of students to use technology, (3) their personal use of technology, (4) their knowledge of national, state, and local technology…