Conventional wisdom says that people should not buy anything in education until research is seen. The following questions should be asked: (1) Does that particular technology enhance learning? (2) Does that piece of software increase test scores? and (3) Do those machines reduce absenteeism? Of course the answer is always yes. No vendor is going…

A new study shows that students aged 6 to 17 who have access to the Interact at home are growing afore and more dissatisfied with the access to the Net available to them at school. Grunwald Associates, a California market research firm, released the results of their survey, "Children, Families and the Internet," on December 4. Seventy-six percent…

Reports on the experience of teachers from 10 different secondary schools using information and communication technology (ICT) in science instruction. Discusses the teachers' thoughts on the materials they used, problems and advantages of using different applications, and necessary conditions for successful teaching outcomes. (Author/NB)

In recent years, research has progressed steadily in regard to the use of computers to recognize and render sign language. This paper reviews significant projects in the field beginning with finger-spelling hands such as "Ralph" (robotics), CyberGloves (virtual reality sensors to capture isolated and continuous signs), camera-based…

This article provides a description of an affordable, smart classroom system that was built for the Technology Department at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. In the hope that other educators might find his department's experience useful, this author, David Domermuth (the department's coordinator of manufacturing) describes the system,…

In the third wave of computing, people will interact with multiple computers in multiple ways in every setting. The value of ubiquitous computing is enhanced and reinforced by another trend: the transition to a Web 2.0 world. In a Web 2.0 world, applications and data reside on the Web itself. Schools are not yet approaching a ratio of one…

Through numerical investigations, various examples of the Duffing type forced spring equation with epsilon positive, are studied. Since [epsilon] is positive, all solutions to the associated homogeneous equation are periodic and the same is true with the forcing applied. The damped equation exhibits steady state trajectories with the interesting…

Computer technologies for learning environments have been introduced with great expectations for improved learning outcomes. However, the great improvements have not materialised; some of these extant studies are examined. Of all the explanations for these disappointing results, the least examined are the affordances of the computer tools. This…

Realizing the promise of software technologies in education requires thinking differently about how software simultaneously can serve research and contribute to learning. This article examines 3 axioms underlying contemporary educational psychology: Learners construct knowledge, learners are agents, and data include lots of randomness. By drawing…

The term "digital divide" emerged in the mid-1990s (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2004) to describe "the gap between those who have "ever" and those who have "never" used a computer or the Internet" (p. 1). In time, this term has evolved, and become even more relevant, as more school sites, libraries, and public places gain access to the Internet. The…

The problem of integrating technology into teaching and learning process has become a perennial one. Common excuses for the limited use of technology to support instruction include shortage of computers, lack of computer skill and computer intimidation. While these could affect the success of technology integration, it should be acknowledged that…

At a time when colleges and universities are struggling to plan the mobile campus of the future, many of those with laptop programs have found refresh programs to be their key to success. Planned well, these efforts establish a strategy to rotate the latest laptop products into the campus technology portfolio, ensuring that schools stay…

This paper reviews some foundational issues that we believe will affect the progress of CSCL over the next ten years. In particular, we examine the terms "technology", "affordance", and "infrastructure" and we propose a relational approach to their use in CSCL. Following a consideration of networks, space, and trust as conditions of productive…

For Canada to compete effectively in the digital world, beginning teachers need to play an important role in integrating computer technology into the curriculum. Equipment and connectivity do not guarantee successful or productive use of computers in the classroom, but the combination of the teaching style and technology use has the potential to…

This paper provides an overview on the current state of art in the field of Distance learning for mobile users. It mentions a large range of technologies, services and approaches that may be used to bring distance learning to mobile internet users. These technologies are supposed to considerably increase innovative e-learning solutions for the…