A constructivist approach to teacher education is needed so that students in schools can develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. To promote constructivism in schools, preservice teachers must engage in constructivist processes throughout their education. The paper describes a program that uses technology to integrate constructivist…

Discusses ways in which software (available at most school computing sites) can be used to create interesting visuals for lesson plans and activities. Describes a series of computer-generated graphics (created using Microsoft PowerPoint) designed to support a unit on families and diversity. (MJP)

This article explains how teachers can use electronic portfolios of students' work to document learner progress. It considers different file formats for storing student work, describes steps to creating an electronic portfolio, and discusses an art and literature electronic magazine created by one school featuring work from student portfolios. (CR)

Reports on a study in which five undergraduate education majors mentored six at-risk middle school science students using real-time (synchronous) chat technology. Results of the analysis indicate that the participating middle school science students, over the course of the project, asked more thoughtful questions, remained on task, and perceived…

Secondary students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and health impairments (n=16) learned a self-advocacy strategy via an Interactive Hypermedia Program (IHP) or through live instruction. After instruction, each student ran his own Individualized Education Program conference. The IHP was as effective in teaching the students the…

This article describes teaching mathematics to students with disabilities using "My Math," a three-component software program consisting of "shells" into which students or teachers insert content. The three components include computation problems, arithmetic word problems, and arithmetic story problems. The content of the program is discussed,…

Provides an example of how two teachers in the Baltimore (Maryland) City Schools utilized the Internet to help students make a connection with their community. Describes a unit that focuses on the use of Tupac Shakur's rap "California Dream" in order to motivate the students to take pride in their community. (CMK)

This article explores current state-of-the-art technologies available for reading, writing, and publishing, including electronic books (ebooks), electronic libraries, and electronic journals. Instructional design, best practices for improving reading skills using ebooks, and copyright issues are discussed. Vignettes offer a positive scenario for…

Technology and the Internet pervade higher education, forcing universities to change how they deal with growing technical needs of these organizations. Sixty-six professors were surveyed to determine their preparedness for the integration of technology into their curriculum. Findings suggested that faculty did not have the technical skills…

Reviews technology integration efforts in Singapore. Discusses examples of online learning in schools under four broad categories: cyber conferencing, e-learning services providers, e-publication, and wireless technology. Describes ways information technology is being used at the National Institute of Education in Singapore, as a tool for…

This article discusses the need and challenges of developing nations regarding audiological and educational services for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Stellar international programs are described. Availability and use of current computer technology is discussed and suggestions are made for international projects in audiology and deaf…

Describes the development of a variety of computer-based assessment opportunities, both formative and summative, that are available to a large first-year biology class at the University of Sydney (Australia). Discusses online access to weekly quizzes, a mock exam, and special self-assessment modules that are beneficial to student learning.…

Discusses the integration of innovative technologies into the K-12 curriculum and its impact on instructional programs for linguistically and culturally diverse students. Describes the debate over whether the culture of computing is inclusive or exclusive, examining: educational technology standards; information technology and fluency; speech…

Discusses college students' Internet use based on the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Focuses on general uses, including email, browsing, and music downloads; educational uses, including communicating with professors and information searching; and how college social life has been changed, including online communication with friends. (LRW)

Examined the impact of computers on the social behavior of 14 preschoolers over a 2-month period. Found that there were a total of 91 peer interactions and 33 teacher interactions, including children acknowledging each other, children commenting and being ignored, and children sharing or helping each other. Boys used the computer more than girls.…