Provides an introduction to robotic technology, and describes current robot models. Three ways of using robots in education are discussed--as exemplars of other processes, as objects of instruction, and as prosthetic aids--and selection criteria are outlined. (17 references) (CLB)

Informal survey of 59 principals and senior administrators revealed differences in their perceptions of seven issues: (1) impact of information technologies on staff effectiveness; (2) communicating educational needs to technologists; (3) resistance to change; (4) impact on jobs; (5) awareness of costs; (6) discomfort in implementation; and (7)…

Reports on a study in which computer-mediated communication (CMC) messages obtained from two public access, educationally oriented electronic bulletin boards (BBSs) were categorized according to board type and intent and analyzed for structure, length, complexity, and readability. The potential for CMC in the educational environment is considered.…

Offers propositions about virtual reality in education, ranging from costs to the psychological affordances of virtual environments (VEs). Some of the propositions arise from empirical studies of performance and cognition in VEs; others come from behavioral, cognitive, and human-factors research. Much of the research is from the Human Interface…

Presents the evaluation of a school technology planner, an integrated electronic performance support system for developing technology use plans (TUP). Discusses reasons teachers chose not to use the software (lack of collegial, administrative, and technological support; lack of time and mixing of district and school perspectives); ranks program…

Presents ideas and issues to consider when thinking about the opportunities and choices involved in using learning technologies. Discusses technology impact issues, teaching applications, and institutional issues. Lists characteristics that make technology/technology use "feel elegant." Also addresses key teaching tasks. (AEF)

Highly mobile devices are not just little computers or calculators. They have unique affordances and constraints that matter in teaching and learning. In addition, kids not only like portable digital technologies but use them as integral parts of their lives. If schools do not reconsider what they teach and how and where they teach it, students…

Provides educators with a basic understanding of what networks are and how they can be used in educational settings. Topics include issues, policies, and equipment involved in setting up a network; software; telephone service; a computer facilitator; and the Internet and the World Wide Web for elementary and secondary education. (LRW)

Explores the role Turing's imitation game has played in shaping notions of humanity and technology, specifically the use of digital technology in education. Discusses the potency of culturally and historically embedded discourse within a field which views practice as disengaged, through the force of technological "revolution," from…

Discusses the development of various technologies up through the Internet, and notes that the means have been confused with the ends. Argues that educators and users should first focus on the learning material's content and on performance design that delivers useful results, before selecting the means of delivery (the Internet). (AEF)

This article describes a network among the Commonwealth's 28 smallest countries created to enhance the professional capacity of educators, developing new course materials, and enabling the transfer of courses and qualifications across borders. The focus is on topics such as entrepreneurship, tourism, professional development of educators, life…

To determine how the Internet is being used in education, researchers surveyed newsgroup participants. Questions concerned demographics and usage. Responses totaled 147. Results indicate that there is a solid foundation of users who are optimistic about the future despite hardware and software problems and concerns about offensive material. Seven…

While the prevailing discourse in the field of educational technology is one of technology-as-progress, that discourse is seen in this article as a unique United States oriented trend and not a universal one. This article suggests that educational technology is not neutral, but rather is culturally set and conveyed. (AEF)

Discusses the role of interactive learning techniques in educational environments. Highlights include the change in educational environments; computer uses in education; the changing educational model from knowing to learning; the interactive learning environment; and the values of learning. (AEF)

Responds to doubts expressed by critics of media and technology in education, specifically contentions that no data supports the conclusion that technology causes gains in achievement, that school districts cut programs to make room for computers with no evidence they improve teaching and learning, and that computers are tools to learn from rather…