Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is an electronic medium that combines orthographic form with real time, synchronous transmission in an unregulated global multi-user environment. The orthographic letters mediate the interaction in that users can only access the IRC session through reading and writing; they have no access to any visual representations at…

This study focuses on the relationship between an eighth-grade U.S. history teacher's philosophy of teaching history and his selections of Internet-based, instructional materials to help with curriculum and instruction decisions. The objective of the research is an investigation of two reciprocal influences: (1) the teacher's philosophy of…

This report focuses on the imperative to prepare teachers to understand and use technology. Drawing on the experience of the Texas Centers for Professional Development of Teachers (CPDTs), the report illustrates how CPDTs are exploring models of instruction built on the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards and…

This paper presents ideas about what is required for the development of expertise in computer technology and considers those requirements in the K-12 setting. This analysis comes from the point of view of long-time, self-trained users of personal computers and computer communications and long-time observer of the growth of technology expertise in…

The Blondin family undertook a 9-month educational journey across the United States that revolved around a unique learning experience incorporating current technology. The family's three children were enrolled in Northwest Academy in northern Michigan, a science- and technology-based public academy for grades 6 through 12 that supported their plan…

This paper suggests that many large organizations seek technological solutions to compensate for reduced manpower and funding resources. One such organization, the U.S. Army, has compensated for resource reductions by focusing on integrating advanced technologies into the functional areas of training, acquisition, and test and evaluation. While…

University Primary School (UPS) is an early childhood gifted program affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This paper highlights three innovative uses of technology at UPS: Knowledge Web pages, photo portfolios, and Chickscope. The Knowledge Web pages are a collection of Web pages that serve as a virtual bulletin board…

This paper is based upon the findings of four major research projects. The first project (1986-88) explored issues of good practice, accreditation, and progression in information technology (IT) education and training for teenagers between the ages of 12 and 20. The second project produced the National Curriculum documents. A consensus resulted…

The introduction of computers into classrooms is one of the latest examples of educational innovation. It has been well established in the literature and in practice almost everywhere that teachers need to be actively involved in the development of teaching materials and aids needed to bring about educational computing in order to acquire a sense…

The staff of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Lansing Community College (LCC), in Michigan, has developed a unique combination of techniques for course support. These techniques have been incorporated into an 11-week course, "Introduction to Computers," which meets for 4 hours of lecture each week, and provides hands-on…

As a result of survey assessments which suggested a limited supply of science instructional resources in the Northaeastern Kansas area, the INSTEP (Integrative Network for Science Teaching Exploration and Practice) project was developed. Twenty-two 2nd-12th grade teachers from six school districts participated during 7 months of the project. The…

The development and dissemination of science materials can be associated with technical delivery systems such as the Unified Network for Informatics in Teacher Education (UNITE). The UNITE project was designed to investigate ways for using computer networking to improve communications and collaboration among university schools of education and…

In 1983, the Syracuse All-University Gerontology Center (AUGC) began to offer computer classes to older adults. In starting what is now called the Computers and the Elderly Program, AUGC's director and assistant director sought advice from the Syracuse University Elders Council, comprised of older alumni, who were also among the first class…

This paper addresses the role of information technology (IT) in the new national curriculum for England and Wales. The role of IT is framed by a discussion of translating policy into practice. To this end, four broad issues are addressed: assessment, progression, resources, and staff development. Improving teacher support to facilitate the…

The Open University of the United Kingdom is acknowledged as the most successful distance education program yet designed. High among the reasons for its success is the student support service provided by the Regional Tutorial Services, a department of the Open University administrative structure which has received little acclaim. This paper shows…