Discusses the Computer Mentor Program, a collaborative effort that developed and evaluated a model for staff development that fosters effective use of computers by beginning teachers. Evaluation indicated that both mentors and proteges developed increased knowledge of computer applications and that proteges made more extensive and varied use of…

Reports on a survey of Russian teacher interests and attitudes toward computers and information technology in their classrooms. Finds that, although 68% said that they would like to use computers in the classroom, only about 4% actually took advantage of opportunities to do so. (CFR)

Examines the development of information technology (IT) capability by teacher-trainees on a postgraduate certificate of education course; the course involves the promotion of IT use during classroom placements by teacher-mentors. Survey results indicate that for certain trainees, the development of IT skills was regarded as being synonymous with…

Discusses the use of fortune cookie fortunes in a middle school class combined with computer graphics, desktop publishing, and word processing technology to create writing assignments, games, and discussions. Topics include cultural contexts, and students creating their own fortunes. (LRW)

Describes the Globally Oriented Approach to Local Science (GOALS) project which aims at encouraging children to look at their local community and identifying and discussing issues and problems, indicating to children and teachers that science does not necessarily require sophisticated and expensive equipment to be successful, and complementing…

Describes the ScI-Journal, an online publication designed to give secondary science students a chance to publish the work they have done in science classes so that other science students can read about it. The goal of this journal is to promote student enthusiasm for science and help students develop a greater understanding of the nature of…

Contends that significant shifts in theories about curriculum development and teaching methods are presenting dramatic challenges to traditional thinking about teaching social studies. Discusses the Internet and provides illustrations of using online systems in social studies. (CFR)

To produce culturally and technologically competent teachers, preservice education must define such competencies. The paper examines the interaction of culture, learning, and classroom environment as it affects the use of computers in diverse classrooms. Examples of cultural differences in learning preferences and the effect of educational…

Reviews two case studies in which computer-based materials are used in forestry education at Australian National University. Data were linked from a large range of sources to improve access and help in the creation and presentation of knowledge. Applications for professional development and communication such as Internet resource databases are…

The Jimmy Sand Memorial School in Kawawachikamach, Quebec, was built 10 years ago for the Naskapi tribe. Technology is being used to connect the students with the modern world, and also as a means of preserving the legends and history of the Naskapi and strengthening their culture and traditions. (JMV)

Discusses characteristics and trends of home schools and workplaces. Use of computers and computer applications (CD-ROMS, interactive software, and networking) in home schooling provides a compatible environment for future home-based businesses and telecommuting trends. Sidebars include information on home schools on line; standardized test…

Describes the use of electronic mail and coded messages by two five-year olds in an early childhood class, examining the effects of early literacy on social interaction. Suggests that teachers need to create a classroom culture that offers authentic, meaningful experiences for children and that reflect real-life uses of literacy. (MDM)

Describes efforts in The Netherlands to reform school curriculum, integrate information technology into the new curriculum, and implement new approaches to teacher support and inservice simultaneously, focusing on evaluation of and reactions to some of the innovative approaches to teacher support and inservice. (SM)

Members of the Association of State Technology-Using Teacher Educators completed questionnaires about the availability of computer programming within the California State University (CSU) system, noting its characteristics if it existed. Though programming still exists in there, it is evolving to include authoring tools and is still taught for…

Examines the possibilities and advantages of computers in teaching hearing-impaired children. A method of using computers to improve the spoken and written communication skills of the hearing impaired is presented. Suggests that Hypertext and multimedia technologies can be successfully applied to speech therapy teaching, lip-reading teaching,…