This document resulted from a project undertaken to develop a set of program-specific and occupationally relevant performance (learning) objectives for the Ontario Basic Skills/Formation de Base de l'Ontario (OBS/FBO) program. It describes project activities, including a literature review in three related areas: understanding what literacy means,…

The policies and practices of higher education are influenced by social, economic, and technological changes currently occurring in postindustrial information societies. Competition in the globalized marketplace of mass tertiary education is transforming traditional curricula and their pedagogies. New communications and information technologies…

The full impact of the current information technology and networking revolution remains unknown, but the experiences of organizations and individuals who are using the tools and resources offered by information technology suggest that it may change our social fabric. Some of the current and emerging trends in information technology include: the…

This paper applies Cognitive Flexibility Theory (CFT) principles to a 19th century Portuguese novel ("Cousin Basilio" by Eca de Queiros) that is available on the World Wide Web. An undergraduate Portuguese literature Web course that studied the novel is also described. Students' reactions to this distance learning course were analyzed by…

A problem facing many supervisors and administrators in K-12 and higher education is how to effectively integrate technology into the instructional proram. Professional development plays a key role in providing training and support required to develop the instructional technology (IT) skills necessary to have a positive effect on instruction. This…

This is the fourth paper published by The Centre for Literacy in its Working Papers in Literacy series, which present new perspectives on literacy-related issues relevant to researchers, to practitioners, and to policy-makers. This paper was written in 1998 as an advisory document to the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Agency (QCA) which manages…

Following a summary of different ways in which the Pennsylvania Department of Education is using computer technology to improve education, describes (1) three electronic mail pilot projects; (2) a resource center and data base for school improvement; (3) a computer literacy course; and (4) management training programs. (DC)

Because few teachers in Qwaqwa, South Africa know how to use computers and many view computers with disdain, the government mandated that schools create computer/media centers in schools. Describes Qwaqwa; its educational system; and the Boitjhorisong Inservice Training Centre. Discusses program implementation, and the training of clerical staff,…

Discusses problems with two common Web-browsing instructional activities and suggests ways that teachers can improve lessons to develop students' critical thinking skills. Focuses on search-and-print and Web page design activities. (AEF)

On-site visits and staff interviews at four elementary schools in British Columbia (Canada) found that many computers were underutilized. Most teachers lacked the expertise to maximize the potential of computers, did not have time to fully master software programs, and could not explain how software programs supported their curriculum goals. (LP)

Describes the content, methods, and challenges of a graduate level course, "Computers and Other Educational Technologies," for all master of education students at the University of Montana. One section occurred on campus, and the other was taught using distance-learning technologies. Recommendations for future classes are provided. (SM)

Two participants in a delegation of computer professionals who observed computer education in China's primary and middle schools report on the status of computer equipment and books; the development of instructional technology; the teaching profession; and the role of computer centers and institutes in computer literacy and teacher training. (43…

Discusses the adoption of computer technology for use in education in developing countries. Topics discussed include criteria for technology adoption; costs; instructional effectiveness; cost effectiveness; the concept of computer literacy; meeting job market demands; educational improvement; computer education policies; hardware and software…

Describes the Microcomputer Infusion Project (MIP), which was developed at Arizona State University to provide faculty with the necessary hardware, software, and training to become models of computer use in both lesson development and presentation for preservice teacher education students. Topics discussed include word processing; database…

Discusses several rationales for the use of computers in elementary and secondary schools, and describes differences in policies and needs in developing and industrial countries. Topics discussed include computer literacy; programing; computer-assisted instruction; student record keeping; administrative functions; industry's interests; cost…