The Optimal Learning Environments model, a center-based intervention approach for infants and toddlers with severe handicaps, has five basic components: (1) environments designed for severely handicapped young children; (2) use of microcomputers in instruction; (3) a transdisciplinary consultant-therapist approach; (4) individualized curriculum…

To prepare diverse learners for various roles in life, teachers should develop contextualized learning environments that enable students to develop individual skills while contributing to the knowledge of the classroom community. This is accomplished by integrating various subject matter domains with interdisciplinary themes that incorporate…

For further information contact the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, 62 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10011. (RS)

Papers presented at this conference focus primarily on the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Topics related to critical thinking include metacognition, curriculum development, and teaching strategies in foreign languages; teaching critical reading of literature to develop critical thinking skills; use of guided design in…

This second in a series of articles on technology and at-risk students focuses on innovative teaching/learning strategies. Highlights include individualized instruction through integrated learning systems and electronic books; collaborative learning through simulations and computer conferencing; peer tutoring with software; parental involvement;…

Discusses the relationship of technology to school restructuring and describes new educational directions that incorporate technology and support restructuring. Topics discussed include higher order cognitive skills; long-range vision and planning; transdisciplinary education; metacognition; global stewardship; human values; lifelong learning;…

Acadia University is the first "laptop" university in Canada. The Acadia Advantage program has each incoming student and each faculty member equipped with a laptop computer. In addition, classrooms, library, residence rooms, and common areas are wired so that the network is accessible both in and out of classrooms. This initiative has…

This paper describes a computer-assisted instruction program which was used in a senior high school local government course. In the fall of 1978, a contract was worked out between four senior American government students who were also studying fifth year mathematics. In return for writing a computer program on local government, which would count…

Seventy projects funded by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title III, and providing the funds to public school districts to demonstrate the feasibility of educational innovations, are described in this document about Iowa Title III exemplary programs. Projects are subdivided according to planning grants, operational grants, guidance…