Care has to be taken when relating technology's use in college and university lecture halls to the way it's applied in K-12 classrooms. Differences in pedagogy, learning styles, and even attendance can impact the way the respective students in the two environments consume technology, which in turn impacts the technology's effectiveness as a…

It was the perfect Halloween project. Each class would construct a three-dimensional "monster" out of common classroom materials (construction paper, cardboard boxes, tape, markers, glue, string, etc.), then write down instructions for building the monster and send them off to another class in the district, or in some other district, or even some…

The lack of U.S. students entering the science, technology, engineering, and math fields is one of teachers' primary educational woes. Surveys show that the small percentage of U.S. college students who choose to major in a math or science field gets even smaller by the end of students' freshman year. While the responsibility of STEM (science,…

Even though affordable technology makes it possible for teachers to make professional looking computer presentations, overheads, and handouts, they need to understand basic design principles to create effective visuals. This article discusses when visuals should be used and principles of design: layout; organization; and use of space, color, and…

Describes a study that compared pretest and posttest scores of undergraduate students enrolled in online and inclass versions of the same class taught by the same instructor over a variety of disciplines. Results showed pretest scores for online students were higher, but posttest scores showed no significant differences in instructional…

Reports on the quantitative findings from a survey of Cornell University undergraduates and on qualitative findings from a prior focus group that investigated computer literacy and the most effective methods to learn computer-literacy skills. Implications for supporting student computing needs are discussed. (LRW)

Describes the Pathways program of Passaic Valley High School (Little Falls, New Jersey). Pathways calls for 24 students to be divided into teams of six and to work on specific technology-based tasks in groups of two. Teams work in "suites" each with a specific theme: Digital Manufacturing, Community, Free Enterprise, or Communications. The…

Examines changes in teachers' and students' use of technology in the classroom and changes in reading and math achievement for students using an Integrated Learning System in grades 1 through 3 over a three-year period. Includes recommendations for schools replicating this project. (AEF)

Illustrates the possibilities and educational benefits of virtual learning environments (VLEs), based on experiences with "Thirst for Knowledge," a VLE that simulates the workplace of a major company. While working in this virtual office world, students walk through the building, attend meetings, read reports, receive e-mail, answer the telephone,…

Ten ways to design an effective Human-Computer Interface are explained. Highlights include material delivery that relates to user knowledge; appropriate screen presentations; attention value versus learning and recall; the relationship of packaging and message; the effectiveness of visuals and text; the use of color to enhance communication; the…

The University of Wyoming conducted a study at its lab school on the use of multimedia in education. Discussion includes the center and the curriculum; the type of data collected; results in terms of behavior, instructional materials, and management; as well as observations and recommendations. (AEF)