Cites advantages of a Directed Individualized Reading program, including ways such a program can shape the reading curriculum to meet students' needs and interests. Discusses how educators can help students select the best books, can establish and evaluate the program, and can get students to carry reading beyond the classroom. (FL)

Describes a program developed to expose college chemistry students to some of the more modern information retrieval tools, as computerized online databases. Following classroom lectures and discussions, students individually develop a search statement relevant to their own research needs and run it in the Chemical Abstracts files. (BT)

A comprehensive plan for program assessment by students in the San Mateo, California, community college district is described. Results compiled from the 29-item questionnaire identify the unique characteristics and problems of each college, and provide recommendations for improvement. The survey instrument is included. (BH)

Reviews the procedures used by James Madison University (Virginia) to develop an assessment plan for the Health Sciences major. The assessment program included cognitive areas, basic competencies of entry-level health educators, student teaching, alumni surveys, and information literacy. The assessment program was reviewed by outside peer…

Reviews research on the role of context in learning how to teach physical education. Discusses how to develop strategies for learning teaching context, the integration of concepts into the teaching act, and ways to design teacher education programs that designate context and have deliberate strategies to prepare students for context. (SM)

Describes a program for parents and preschool teachers that has produced positive results in emergent reading behaviors in young children with developmental disabilities. Essential program elements include parents as literacy role models, frequent and regular exploration of print, interactions with adults in reading situations, and family…

Examines the "reality behind the hype" surrounding the Internet. Discusses its early development; growth and present state; and key applications, including e-mail, voice/video telephony, integrated messaging, electronic commerce, the World Wide Web, and Web commerce, Intranet, Extranet; education and training; security; ownership; and…

A study of Dutch universities from 1974-93 examined factors in the emergence of new academic programs and specializations, particularly the effects of government funding mechanisms (external factor) and level of paradigmatic development (internal factor), drawing on social exchange and resource dependency theory. Results indicate these two factors…

Two-way compressed video, a new technology that allows video communication between sites, promises to revolutionize teaching, faculty hiring, and intellectual exchanges. Its potential for almost unlimited connectivity among institutions, groups, and individuals is enhanced by its relatively low cost in comparison with other video technologies.…

Profiles eight youth services librarians from public and school libraries, who participated in a recent American Library Association seminar. Describes reasons for career choice, learning experiences, salary, public image, duties performed and programs developed, highlights of the job, librarian teacher cooperation, technology, library education,…

Describes how a library automation system administrator developed a computer support network for the Finger Lakes Library System's (New York) evening and weekend hours. Discusses support options and decision-making factors--hiring extra staff, utilizing vendors, pagers, cellular phones, or contracting for third-party support. After employing staff…

Discusses the distance education program at the College of Library and Information Science of the University of South Carolina. Highlights include program development and concerns; university support; site visits; objectives; library resources; socialization and computer-mediated communication; program extension; hazards and changes; and…

A variety of consortial arrangements in higher education are discussed noting advantages such as savings realized through the cooperative efforts, enrichment of academic programs, improved student services and community outreach, as well as obstacles (organizational, procedural, and cultural). Success factors identified include presence of…

In the small Alaskan village of Manokotak, the community participated in the school's shift from an "English submersion" program to Yup'ik immersion plus ESL. Discusses community involvement and participative planning, first-year goals, scheduling of instructional time in each language, staff development, materials development, cultural…

Discusses 11 problems hindering the implementation of the tech prep movement. Reviews a North Carolina project to develop a model approach to tech prep, highlighting required core and suggested courses at the secondary level and recommended elements at the postsecondary level. Lists components of a model tech prep system. (10 citations) (AJL)