One of a series of educational packages designed for implementation either in a workshop atmosphere or through individual study, this Hot Topic guide presents a variety of materials to assist educators in designing and implementing classroom projects and activities centering on the topic of creative writing in the elementary school. The Hot Topic…

Knowing what different kinds of computer equipment can do is the first step in choosing the computer that is right for you. This digest describes a developmental progression of computer capabilities. First the basic three software programs (word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs) are discussed using examples. Next, an explanation of…

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is becoming more important to vocational education, since at least 2 million schools now have computers, and by the year 2000, 75 percent of jobs may require computer knowledge. A review of the literature about CAI in vocational education produced the following findings: (1) although CAI can be effective in…

This practitioner file is designed to provide information for adult, career, and vocational educators who have little or no experience using the Internet. Discussed first are the history of the Internet's development and its content and scope. Ways of obtaining an Internet connection are described. Next, annotated descriptions of eight sources of…

The essays in this collection focus on recent advances in instructional technology and their use in community colleges. The collection includes: (1) "Telecourses: Using Technology to Serve Distant Learners," by Leslie N. Purdy; (2) "Satellites Stop Beeping and Start Teaching," by Peter Vander Haeghen; (3) "Change through Cooperation: The NILRC…

Presented are 25 short articles which represent a variety of topics. Included are laboratory exercises, games, demonstrations, models, activities, teaching methods, notes regarding procedures and updates of scientific information. (CW)

This digest outlines salient characteristics of teacher-led research and its benefits to teachers and students. A discussion of selected resources for teacher researchers, which are available through various components of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), follows the overview. Effective teacher research is an empowering…

Computers have not revolutionized social studies curricula because so few teachers use them. But research does indicate that computers are flexible instructional tools that can assist in the development of attitudes, intellectual motivation, and inquiry skills. Social studies educators need to consider expanded computer use in their classrooms…

This digest discusses several aspects of electronic networking, including network functions, implementation, and applications in education. Electronic networking is defined as including the four basic services of electronic mail (E-mail), electronic "bulletin boards," teleconferencing, and online databases, and an overview of these four…

This guide explains features of the Internet and compiles Internet resources useful to those interested in the education and development of young children. Chapter 1 of the guide explains what is needed to connect to the Internet. The chapter then discusses the Internet's domain name system, electronic mail, mail/discussion lists, newsgroups,…

Presents a bibliographic listing of ERIC/ChESS citations on the use of technology in social studies. Includes studies on computer use to learn map skills, information on incorporating computer work into the classroom, and surveys of software programs and microcomputer use. Provides details for obtaining additional information. (DK)

Two factors contributing to the change in writing instruction have been (1) the research investigating the way writing is taught and (2) the computer. Proponents of the various writing models endorse writing as an ongoing, multi-stage process, with equal emphasis given to each of the stages. Educational computing has undergone a change of focus…

This digest considers the role of personal computers in the education of gifted students. There is evidence that students are working "smarter," whether they are learning and using more information, understanding key concepts and relationships better, or developing higher level thinking skills. Research findings concerning the specific…

Microcomputers in schools contribute significantly to the learning process, and software selection is taken as seriously as the selection of text books. The seven step process for responsible software selection are: (1) analyzing needs, including the differentiation between needs and objectives; (2) specification of requirements; (3) identifying…

This book is designed to prepare information mentors-educators, parents, educational concept developers, subject-matter experts, and others who guide K-12 students to information literacy to provide instruction, guidance, and services to teach K-12 students how to solve information problems using a variety of information tools and resources. The…