Reports on research that tested the effect of using a computer simulation to teach the concept of a food web to nonbiology majors in a large introductory course. Concludes that the use of the simulation resulted in significantly better performance on an open-ended essay question for those students who used the software, particularly for average…

Describes principles underlying an emerging model for Internet-intensive undergraduate instruction at Miami University (Ohio) in which students learn by creating online materials themselves; faculty facilitate active learning; student intellectual exchanges are enriched; and the seminar sensibility is extended. Four applications are examined: a…

Explores situated cognition, arguing that the construct of "community of practice" is useful as an analytical lens in which to examine the domain of educational technology. Traces the history of educational technology, and how it is embedded in a larger social and political environment that excludes those who exist on the margins from…

Explores Cornell's use of CourseInfo, one of the new course-management tools that provides the support infrastructure to help faculty create and maintain course Web sites. Discusses reasons for selecting CourseInfo; faculty training and orientation; the support site; communications; staffing issues; and assessing benefits and planning for change.…

Provides a number of basic mathematical models of enrollment trends at a college or university. Seeks to model the effects of retention and recruitment. Utilizes Mathematica in this activity, which introduces students to the notion of modeling something relevant to their campus. (ASK)

Describes the benefits of technology in special education and the use of electronic mail as an instructional strategy. Highlights the use of electronic mail by a student with Down syndrome to learn communication, reading, and written expression skills. Recommendations for using technology in the classroom are provided. (CR)

A study involving 106 elementary and secondary students with learning disabilities and 97 typical peers found that students who used spelling and grammar checkers were more successful than transition group students in reducing mechanical errors, particularly non-real-word spelling errors, and in making positive changes from first to final drafts.…

Identifies indicators of excellence in educational technology including hardware, software, integration, on-site support, administrative support, conference participation, use of emerging technologies, home and community connections, technology planning, and educational reform. (DB)

Argues that there are no generalizations about what features of technology or software type makes computer-assisted learning (CAL) successful. "Niche based success" comes from a close fit between a piece of courseware and its situation of use that is specific to that niche. Discusses teacher analysis of weak existing situations and how…

Presents an operational model which applies a technology-based educational framework to media, and then looks at work carried out by students in Media and Informatics at the University of Geneva working on this new program. Analyzes the coherence between a theoretical model and the conditions for its application within a training program. (AEF)

Describes the development and implementation of a pilot technology-driven intermediate Spanish course at Pennsylvania State University. Looks at the use of four technologies--synchronous chat, Web and multimedia training, computer-based grammar practice, and asynchronous (E-mail) conferencing--in this foreign language course. Summarizes some…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using laptop computers rather than desktop computers in science classroom and laboratory instruction. Finds that while laptops provide greater flexibility, they come at a greater expense. Lists the uses of laptops in a departmental curriculum. (Author/WRM)

Presents guidelines for aspiring authors in the field of educational technology, concentrating on journal articles. Considers reasons for publishing, and discusses some of the most popular types of articles appearing in educational technology journals. Provides hints for creating publishable articles. Information on leading educational technology…

Outlines levels of information/communication technology (ICT) use in technology education: (1) development of basic software skills; (2) information seeking/analysis skills; (3) adoption of existing programs to deepen understanding of ICT; (4) development of learners' independent creative thought; and (5) understanding learners' cognitive…

Examines the potential for convergence of technology and multicultural education, identifying strategies for and barriers to developing common ground. The paper explains differences and oppositions, examines parallels in the pedagogical work of the two groups, and discusses whether parallel beliefs and pedagogies might support collaborative,…