The "standard" PC desktop is and always has been a moving target. Although the fear of obsolescence has diminished considerably from the early days of personal computing, it is still true that today's state-of-the-art system will eventually be too slow, too underpowered, and probably too archaic to warrant repair, or even use. To extend the life…

Discusses the use of technology in higher education and cites statewide plans in California and Washington that have recently been criticized for an overemphasis on technology. Topics include knowledge as a static commodity and as a dynamic process; new paradigms of knowledge; and where information technology can make a difference. (LRW)

Introduces the evaluative reports of projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) initiative, one of the largest federally supported programs for preservice teacher education. Focus is on implementation and evaluation of programs designed to systemically improve the preparation of…

The 4S model uses the criteria "Simple, Stable, Scalable, and Sustainable" as a filter for selecting instructional technologies. This paper considers a social dimension that uses culture and interaction as the primary consideration in the deployment of any instructional technology within the context of the 4S model. (Author/MES)

Discusses four factors related to the use of technology by teacher educators: motivation, when and where to use technology, how to use technology, and factors that affect the integration of technology. Examples of the use of technology in both teacher education and in public-school education are provided. (Author/CR)

Considers the history of the information technology revolution in education in Britain. Topics include the early ZX80 machine; the development of microcomputers; government support; audio-visual equipment; and problems that current teachers in training still have in using technology appropriately. (LRW)

Complex computer and video games may provide a vehicle, based on appropriate theoretical concepts, to transform the educational landscape. Building on the original game object model (GOM) a new more detailed model is developed to support concepts that educational computer games should: be relevant, explorative, emotive, engaging, and include…

Traditionally, educational technologists have not been concerned with social or philosophical questions, and the field does not have a basic educational philosophy. Instead, it is dominated by a viewpoint characterized as "technical rationality" or "technicism"; the most important assumption of this viewpoint is that science…

This paper argues that it is time to think differently about assessing the role of educational technology in the teaching and learning process. The first section addresses the question, "What is learning?" The second section examines the purpose of education. The third section discusses the knowledge base needed to apply educational…

Discussion of the use of technology in classrooms focuses on a funding model that relies on acquiring the technology used for special education students to benefit all students. Describes one example, the sound field system, which is used for hearing-impaired students but is helpful to all students in a classroom. (LRW)

"The Technology Balance Beam" is designed to question the role of technology within school districts. This case study chronicles a typical school district in relation to the school district's implementation of technology beginning in the 1995-1996 school year. The fundamental question that this scenario raises is, What is the balance between…

The present moment in the history of higher education requires setting strategies and specific action plans to guarantee a place in the highly competitive and demanding world scenario. The incorporation of information and communication technologies is one of the feasible paths to be considered, but this requires formulating proposals insuring…

This article examines distance learning from a gender perspective. In any new area of enterprise, expectations have an important effect on planning, implementation, and evaluation. When it comes to distance learning, a variety of images of what this exciting new technology will look like and what it can empower us to achieve will determine how we…

This document contains the following papers on theory from the SITE (Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education) 2001 Conference: (1) "IT with Integrity" (Savilla Banister); (2) "Applications of Knowledge Based Evaluation in Educational Technology" (Michael Connell); (3) "A Tutor's Advice Trains a Student's…

Examines assumptions underlying claims regarding educational technology, and as an alternative presents a framework which integrates a bottom-up view of information technology usage and a top-down view of education. Delivery of educational materials, media, computational activities including simulations and computer games, interactivity,…