A survey of 46 United States and Canadian dental schools examined curriculum trends and assessed the effectiveness of educational initiatives and the value of American Association of Dental Schools and Administration on Aging geriatric dental curricular materials. An increasing number reported geriatric didactic courses, clinical rotations, and…

Various methods for retrieving chemical structure information on the World Wide Web are discussed. Although graphical plug-in programs provide more search capabilities, users first have to obtain a copy of the programs. Tripos's WebSketch and ACD Interactive Lab adopt a different approach; using JAVA applets, users create and display a structure…

Reports on a study that utilized surveys, interviews, and a modified focus group to examine the perceptions of graduate students regarding the effectiveness of computer-conferencing communication on higher-order learning. Recommendations for effective computer conferencing are included that address organization of content, small-group interaction,…

A first-year course in the computer-based educational media design curriculum at the University of Twente (Netherlands) uses the World Wide Web as an integrated course environment; collaborative group-based learning is the basis of the instruction. The Web is used to make evaluation-oriented activities part of the ongoing student experience.…

Examines the benefits of introducing finite element methods into the curriculum of undergraduate courses. Analyzes the structure of the computer-assisted-design module and the extent to which it fulfills its main objectives. Discusses the efficiency of modern teaching and learning techniques used to develop skills for solving engineering problems;…

Discusses the approaches taken to integrating teaching of basic sciences, clinical sciences, and biopsychosocial issues by eight medical schools participating in a large-scale curriculum development project. All schools promoted study of the humanities and biopsychosocial sciences throughout the curriculum. Attention is given to the problems…

Discussion of the assessment of distance or "distributed" higher education programs looks at issues unique to this delivery approach, key components of an effective program, accreditation concerns, and the need to adopt principles of good practice. Salient issues are outlined in the areas of curriculum and instruction, evaluation and assessment,…

A West Virginia preservice program prepares professionals in a variety of fields to work with rural children with swallowing disorders. Program features include graduate assistantships, interdisciplinary academic coursework, a practicum in a swallowing disorders clinic under supervision of a faculty mentor, and a technology project related to…

Explores the relationship between learners' sociodemographic characteristics and their level of participation in computer conferencing. Discusses six variables: sex, age, education level, occupation, residence in urban or rural areas, and region of residence in Canada; and suggests implications for the design and facilitation of computer…

A study used impulse response measures and observations in 10 Florida classrooms to develop 10 recommendations for improving the acoustical environment in schools. Recommendations include improving air-conditioning systems, limiting room volume, providing sound-absorbing surfaces, using carpeting, reducing distance between teachers and students,…

Explores how thoughtful design of a child care facility enhances its safety, effectiveness, and high quality programming, and helps reduce annual maintenance to high use areas. Concludes that collaboration between an architect and provider can increase the quality of care for children and improve the work environment for staff. (KB)

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) Master's degree in learning disabilities is delivered via distance education to surrounding rural counties. Describes the UNCC-community college partnership, technology selection and resources, faculty and student training for using distance education technology, costs, funding, student…

Discusses the importance of technology-enriched curriculum for preservice teacher education and describes a study that evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively the effectiveness of a redesigned introduction to technology course for preservice teachers. Results showed more positive student attitudes toward computers and less anxiety after…

Vancouver (Washington) is rebuilding its entire educational infrastructure. Community involvement in the planning process for each school has created a sense of ownership, created spaces that implement good educational ideas and accommodate community activities, and given each school its own "signature." An emphasis on efficiency has…

Alpha High School in urban Gresham (Oregon) houses a school-to-work program and was designed, with student involvement, as a business. Movable walls and cabinetry provide the flexibility to accommodate general assemblies, combine classes for team teaching, or break classes up into small working groups. A business lab enables businesses to set up…