Written for educators in New Jersey who need information about curriculum development, improvement, and revision, this paper briefly outlines how to use the ERIC system, its thesaurus, printed indexes, and microfiche collections. Appendices list the addresses, phone numbers, and subject content of the 16 ERIC clearinghouses; the addresses, phone…

Describes the development and contents of a computer database which helps social studies educators identify available curriculum materials. Materials can be located by using one or a combination of the following elements: Acquisition number, publisher, institution or sponsor, author, title, grade level, copyright date, cost, number of pages, and…

The author suggests that student teachers make use of computerized literature retrieval to efficiently gather ideas, teaching strategies, and curriculum materials. Focusing on the ERIC database, he explains how to map out a multifaceted online search strategy and briefly discusses costs and document delivery. (SJL)

Discusses geographic information systems (GIS) and their use in elementary and secondary education. Databases are described, including a graphics package for maps and an alphanumeric database; and resources are included. (11 references) (LRW)

Describes the VECM (Vocational Education Curriculum Materials) database and how it can help solve curriculum problems. Elements of this database are discussed: ease of entry and retrieval of information, how information is coded, equipment needed to gain entry, how to use the database, uniqueness of the database, and membership information. (CT)

Faced with the growing concern over educational effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity, many schools are turning to educational technology, especially the computer-based curriculum products known as integrated instructional systems. However, it is vitally important for educators to examine and gain a clearer understanding of technology's…

Outlines three lessons designed to increase students' involvement in social studies classes, excerpted from the author's book, COMPUTERS, CURRICULUM, AND WHOLE-CLASS INSTRUCTION. Student surveys, supported by database and/or graphing software, are used to study immigration, banking and technology, and interpreting graphs and bias in information.…

The paper, presented at a four-State adult education regional institute, first presents some problems in developing curricula for adult and continuing education, drawing distinctions between the terms "curriculum" (content-centered, credit offerings) and "program" (learner-centered, or problem-centered, non-credit offerings).…

Vocational educators seeking curriculum materials, lesson plans, classroom activities, and other instructional materials can locate them in a variety of places. The ERIC database is a good source of information about the following instructional and resource materials: curricula, project descriptions, lesson plans, classroom activities, task lists,…