Arguing that children need access to word processing to reap the same benefits as adult writers, a fourth-grade teacher convinced her administration to provide one computer per child during their writing workshop periods. Having portable word processors liberated student writers by making the mechanical aspects of writing easier. Students could…

Presents a case study of a learner engaged with a probability paradox. The case illustrates a Connected Mathematics Project approach: that primary obstacles to learning probability are conceptual and epistemological and that engagement with paradox can be a powerful means of motivating learners to overcome these obstacles. (71 references)…

Discusses the use of software created for practical, real-world applications to connect mathematics to other subjects and to the world outside the classroom. Software presented includes Design Your Own Home, Bridgebuilder, Physics Explorer, Aldus Superpaint, and Sprout. (MKR)

Explores the use of technology by independent continuing education providers, universities, and business/industry continuing education in terms of learners, time frame, pressures/challenges, environments, and costs. (SK)

This study surveyed the use of laptop computers by 10 college students with visual impairments. Students used the computers about 10 to 15 hours a week to complete assignments as well as to take notes in class. The laptops fostered students' independence and improved their efficiency. (Author/DB)

Argues that the real worth of wide-area computer-mediated communications networks in supporting reform and improvement in K-12 education is the opportunity to develop collaborative projects that link educators and students to provide meaningful learning experiences connected to the curriculum and that such projects are essential to make NREN an…

Efforts to replace teachers with technology have uniformly failed. Machines are only tools. Good classroom tools extend the teacher's power to create a rich learning environment. If the teacher perceives the tool as master or misconstrues its use, its potential will never be realized. Strategies for computer use must focus on purpose and derive…

Reviews studies on the effects of introducing word processing to basic writers. Presents the findings of an original pilot study which concludes that computer instruction causes basic students to write more. Suggests ways of improving instruction and obtaining more consistent results in future studies. (HB)

An introduction to general systems theory and an overview of vocabulary and concepts are presented to introduce school business officials to systems thinking and to foster its use as an analytical tool. The theory is then used to analyze a sample problem: planning changes to a district's administrative computer system. (eight references) (MLF)

Describes a partnership linking an Indiana high school's computerized library catalog to the library resources of Ball State University. Advanced placement English seniors received training in university research methods from reference librarians and later trained other classmates. The catalog is also being used as a professional resource for…

The Soapbox system, which allows a presenter to control a multimedia presentation from the touchscreen located on the lectern, is described. The Soapbox allows the integration of slides, videodiscs, desktop publishing, electronic blackboards, video players, and the room lights. (KR)

Describes a SYSTAT macro that generates sufficient information from the data available to compute an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis. Suggests the macro procedure as a tool for those who want to explore relations among the results of published studies when raw data are not available. Recommends classroom uses. (DK)

Provides answers to nine common questions that day-care providers ask about computers and young children, such as (1) what can children learn with computers? (2) what are the advantages and disadvantages of having computers? (3) what types of affordably priced computers are best? and (4) what are the best software programs for young children? (MDM)

This article discusses ethical and legal issues faced by orientation and mobility (O&M) professionals, associated with informing clients with visual impairments about risks both during O&M instruction and after training. The article evaluates arguments against the disclosure of risks, and describes a computerized method of assessing risks.…