Student achievement does not depend solely on teacher competence. Students' own behavior, their motivation to achieve, and their attitudes toward others around them all contribute. These variables create conditions--an environment--that either favors or disfavors achievement. They can dictate the amount of time a teacher has to devote to…

Explores the importance that teachers place on affective goals, how they integrate them into their teaching, and how they plan the integration process, based on interviews during inservice teacher training. Instructional goals relating to students' motivation, anxiety, attitudes, and values are discussed, and implications for further research are…

This article discusses the importance of private interactions, in which a student works alone with learning materials, and public interactions, in which a group of students engage in discourse around learning materials. While traditional technology requires that designers choose one type of interaction over another, the authors show how handheld…

Ten working guidelines for use in developing educational software programs present standards evolved by one courseware producer for program content, learner motivation, the learning environment, educational objectives, field testing, learner control of the learning experience, monitoring and reviewing learner's activities, documentation, accuracy…

Describes a management-oriented system for the evaluation of educational programs for gifted children in public schools. Referred to as the Program Analysis and Review System, the approach comprises three sequential steps of program specification, documentation, and outcome determination, which are discussed in detail. (MBR)

Proposes a strategy for educational reform that provides a supportive state policy structure of sustained school-level reform. Three coordinated components are described: a unifying vision and goals; a coherent instructional guidance system including guidelines for curriculum frameworks, materials, professional development, and assessment; and a…

Presents a four-step conceptual framework for designing workshops to teach educators software infusion (SI), i.e., the use of computer software to enhance instructional effectiveness in school academic areas. Suggestions for implementation and sample worksheets accompany the discussions of each step. (MBR)

Presents a framework for judging educational technology programs that was developed for the Department of Education by the Expert Panel on Educational Technology. Highlights include clearly articulated goals; developing learning and thinking skills; equity for educational excellence; promoting organizational change; measurable evidence of…

Presents and discusses a form for the evaluation of microcomputer software for computer-assisted instruction which covers the following areas: (1) program goals; (2) program content; (3) audience; (4) instructional strategies; (5) program design; (6) appropriate use of computers; (7) program techniques; (8) cost/benefit analysis; and (9) overall…

Describes organizational structure and activities of the Center for Education and Information Technology (Netherlands), a national organization for exchange and distribution of the latest scientific and technical developments in information technology and its application in education, and a service institute to better the use of educational…

Describes virtual personal computing, a computer-based educational infrastructure for all students from kindergarten through college, as a step toward meeting national educational goals. New technologies that make this concept possible are described, including the Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL); and the theoretical basis of the virtual…

Argues that educators should be proactive in building computer-based curricula that place technology in a facilitating role, have sound educational objectives that are measureable, and reflect awareness of how students learn from computer interaction. The educational theories of reinforcement, closure, short-term memory, and mastery learning are…

Discusses an important question raised by education's rush toward micro-technology, i.e., how classroom teachers will be trained to master these aids and implement them within the curricular structure. A process centering on training for employed teachers and focusing on teacher's role in planning for effective use is proposed. (MBR)

Describes a planning process necessary for the successful implementation of a school of choice option. Topics discussed include resistance to change; development of an Organizational Status Report (OSR); developing a mission statement, goals, and objectives; a Community Communications Document (CCD); monitoring ongoing progress; and evaluation…

Reports on a long-range study examining the developments resulting from the introduction of microcomputers in large city and suburban school districts. Policy questions addressed include implementation plans for microcomputer use, teacher training, districtwide curriculum planning and development, goals of computer activities, student access, and…