Describes how fifth-graders with home Internet access used an Internet chat application after school, and discusses changes in the patterns of chat room usage over a 1-year period. Considers gender differences in chat room usage, as well as implications for curriculum design, student-teacher interactions, and the role of chat in teaching and…

Examined the effects of first-graders' writing competency when using computers compared to writing by hand. Found that students demonstrated significant differences favoring computer use over handwriting, including more words and sentences and greater writing competence, despite no differences observed in off-task behavior. (JPB)

Attempts to develop a global discussion about the roles of dynamic geometry systems (DGS) by addressing four points: (1) the variety of possible contexts for proof in a DGS; (2) the dual nature of proof (cognitive and social) as reflected in the "milieu" constructed around the use of a DGS; (3) from observing to proving; and (4) overcoming the…

Investigates how web teaching software packages operate under the pressures of day-to-day teaching and aims to find out what strengths and weaknesses are found in these packages. Reports what software users would ask before selecting other web teaching packages. (DDR)

Focuses on the single-computer approach to using technology in the music classroom. Explores using the classroom game format, the physical setup of the classroom, audio considerations, learning stations, benefits of and obstacles to the one-computer approach, and buying multiple copies of computer software. Lists useful software and presents a…

Five experiments explored a potentially more productive application of educational technology in which an individual learner has the opportunity to develop a social relation with a computer by interacting with an animated pedagogical agent. Results support the introduction of interactive pedagogical agents to promote meaningful learning in…

Reports on a pilot study investigating 22 11-13 year old students' preferences for and interests in using animation and video when viewing examples of melting, boiling, and dissolving. (Author/MM)

Discusses how the students at New Vista High School in Boulder, Colorado, created simulations and embedded them in web pages. The process has helped them better understand social studies content. Considers examples of student projects, addresses the benefits of using computer simulations, and highlights the challenges of using this technology.…

Describes how the director of information systems for the computing and communications department and a team of software developers embarked on the task of creating and refining portal technology for a broad community of users with various relationships to the University of Washington. Discusses focus on individual needs; authentication, the…

Examines the ability of third grade students to meet technology standards. Results from this classroom-based investigation strongly suggest that students in this classroom are making good progress toward meeting technology competencies for Grades three through five as specified in the ISTE (2000) NETS for Students. Moreover, students have met the…

Presents some of the perceived pedagogical challenges posed by use of the World Wide Web. Proposes that the debate surrounding use of the Web in university teaching should center on learning and not technical issues. Learning issues and challenges discussed in this article include learning approaches, using the technical features of the Web to…

Examines benefits and drawbacks of laptop programs in higher education, and gives examples of universities that have implemented laptop programs. One such university, in the United Arab Emirates, is considered a pioneer in the Middle East. The university's approach to implementing laptops in teaching and learning and the reactions of its faculty…

Assessed the needs of two Quebec, Canada, elementary schools for educational technology for the classroom. Findings from 6 administrators and 21 teachers show that teachers currently use computers primarily for word processing and to prepare report cards. Teachers are interested in additional training in the use of educational technology. (SLD)

Examined factors responsible for gender differences in Internet use. Surveys of college students indicated that women and men used the Internet equally but differently, with men connecting more frequently to the Web than women and women using e-mail more than men. Computer self-efficacy, loneliness, and depression accounted in part for gender…

Discussion of assistive technology for students with learning disabilities in general education classrooms first reviews computer supports for writing including talking word processors, word prediction software, portable note-taking devices, prewriting organizers, multimedia prewriting prompts, and editing/publishing software. It then considers…