Play is so important that it is declared as one of the human rights by the United Nations. Although it is focused on children, play does "not" stop there. In the 1990s the author designed and facilitated a blended curriculum for a Head Start Program. The instructional goal was to introduce and get the children to effectively and…

The author is amazed at how much people don't understand about computers and technology. This document describes the authors' vision on computer/technology training that explains the concepts from the bottom up so that people can have a better understanding of what they are working with.

Suggests ways for educators to become computer literate: (1) admit you don't know about computers; (2) be patient with yourself; (3) read about technology; (4) get a home computer; (5) attend training; (6) experiment; (7) ask for assistance; and (8) talk with others about what works for them. (AEF)

One of the most significant issues facing colleges and universities today is the growing need for lifelong learning and for coherent strategies to serve the adult learner. The Commission on Higher Education and the Adult Learner has outlined five priorities for adult education that demand attention and action: (1) occupational maintenance,…

The school, community, and university partnership called the Anaheim (California) City School District Technology Literacy Challenge grant has helped teachers develop a deep understanding of technology. Teachers receive salary advances for purchasing technology for home use and attend workshops and seminars to learn how to use it. (MLH)

The Education Express, a state-of-the-art mobile classroom, brings computer training to rural training sites in Schuyler, Chemung, and Tioga Counties--the Southern Tier of New York. Clients include nurses, other workers, senior citizens, and GED students, who lack access to such trainings because of financial, time, or distance constraints.…

Describes the Performance-Centered Design (PCD) approach that tackles the usability dilemma of computer systems. Discusses PCD success factors; characteristics of adult learning incorporated into PCD methodology; PCD design techniques; interface requirements; and benefits of the PCD methodology. (AEF)

Explains how to train users in effective Web searching. Discusses challenges of teaching Web information retrieval; a framework for information searching; choosing the right search tools for users; the seven-step lesson planning process; tips for delivering group Internet training; and things that help people work faster and smarter on the Web.…

Discusses technology-related staff development at Winona Middle School. Describes media entry-level exploration classes and other more advanced classes on electronic searching, Internet search strategies, using various tools, lessons design, and multimedia skills classes. Presents ideas on how teachers can provide meaningful staff development.…

Local area networks are in 50%, soon to be 100%, of New Brunswick schools. Currently, the province is connecting the local networks to a regional area network that will link all the schools and the school district offices. All students and teachers will have Internet access. (MLF)

Describes a project at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore that enables at-risk children to develop Internet skills. Discusses the recruitment and training of volunteer tutors, promotion of the project, and peer recruitment. A sidebar provides a list of Internet sites used in the lessons. (AEF)

Suggests these teaching strategies for reducing computer anxiety of adult learners and enhancing the opportunity for learning: use humor whenever possible; demystify the computer; determine students' fears; begin with the basics; avoid computer jargon; measure instructional pace; avoid stimulus overload and instructions that sound like warnings;…

The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) conducted two surveys to determine what superintendents and principals have available in training, information and technical support, and networks to give them the skills and knowledge they need to lead schools in keeping up with rapidly changing technology. The first survey focused on the amount and…

This paper presents a model for professional development that is site-based and utilizes a Teacher-Mentor approach for technology training. To guide the development of such models for schools, the paper discusses the following principles: (1) the Teachers Computer Ability Profile (TCAP), a straightforward instrument teachers can use to self-assess…

After providing a snapshot of the state of technology and technology use in America's schools, this paper notes that a major obstacle to technology integration in schools is the lack of teacher training. The paper then goes on to describe "Learning with Technology," a sustained, six-session professional development experience with a goal…