Writing, essentially a social act, is concerned with cognition and is allied to context. Most writing takes the form of dialogue and it is out of dialogic processes that language acquisition takes place. Writers and readers convene in the cognitive and social space that is at the heart of a discourse community. The social aspects of writing are…

This opinion paper explores the use of computers in the U.S. Public Education System, concluding that technology is underutilized and not fulfilled most of the educational promises attributed to the tool. Drawing upon research and personal experience, the paper explores 8 possible reasons for the problem, including: the computer itself; not enough…

This book presents a fresh view of action research as a methodology uniquely suited to researching the processes of innovation and change. Drawing on twenty-five years' experience of leading or facilitating action research projects, Bridget Somekh argues that action research can be a powerful systematic intervention, which goes beyond describing,…

In a development and research project over a period of three years, with classes 8 to 10 in school, the aim was to develop students' competence to use computer tools. The aim was that the students should be able to judge what ICT tools are appropriate to use for a specific task. Seven classes with six teachers took part in the project. In a…

This book discusses enhancing student achievement through project-based learning with multimedia. Chapter 1 describes project-based multimedia learning. Chapter 2 presents a multimedia primer, including the five basic types of media objects (i.e., images, text, sound, motion, and interactivity). Chapter 3 addresses making a real-world connection,…

The planning, design, production and presentation of interactive learning exhibits (ILEs) by students in elementary and secondary teaching credential programs provided authentic learning experiences in the integration of computers in teaching and learning settings. This paper includes a rationale and brief overview of the theoretical underpinnings…

This paper reviews research about the use of technology with students with disabilities to enhance behavior, monitor progress, and improve learning. It also provides helpful references for teacher educators. The belief that the appropriate use of technology can enhance learning for all students is reflected in different standards for teacher…

Most educators intuitively understand the critical relationship between thinking and writing: writing allows us to express what we think, but the very act of writing spurs a process of exploration that changes our thinking and helps us learn. "Teaching Writing in the Content Areas" examines nearly 30 years of research to identify how teachers can…

This book creates a vision of online pedagogy based on the author's experience and desire to create a virtual environment that involves students and fosters their deep learning. There are 9 chapters in three parts. Part 1, "Theoretical Implications: Building a Body of Online Pedagogy," includes (1) "The Distance Factor"; (2) "The Optimal Role of…

The recent proliferation of technology in educational settings is giving teachers new and innovative methods of teaching an inquiry-based curriculum within a constructivist framework. One problem within the nation's schools is the growing cultural divide. The cultural divide is the extent of the cultural barrier that exists between educators and…

This article summarizes software which can help to enhance both local and specific reading skills (often done through what is known as intensive reading) and global or general reading skills (known as extensive reading). Although the use of computerized bilingual dictionaries (CBDs) and translation websites of various types does not appear to…

This CD-ROM contains nine Web documentaries that range from approximately 4 minutes to nearly 10 minutes running time. They include: "A Video Primer" (an introduction to the George Lucas Educational Foundation); "Handhelds" (how personal digital assistants are helping students and teachers connect); "Journey North"…

Project-based learning can be used when creating simulated authentic cultural experiences via virtual trips on the World Wide Web. Project-based learning is a comprehensive, constructivist-based approach that engages students in the investigation of authentic problems. This paper focuses on the theoretical basis for project-based learning and…

In 1999, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing received a 5-year grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration to provide online baccalaureate completion courses for RNs (Registered Nurses). At the completion of the first year, all six theory courses were offered online. Clinical courses are offered…

The science community has been trying to use computers in teaching for many years. There has been much conformity in how this was to be achieved, and the wheel has been re-invented again and again as enthusiast after enthusiast has "done their bit" towards getting computers accepted. Computers are now used by science undergraduates (as well as…