This document contains a letter to members of the United States Senate reporting the information gathered from a study of five school districts' experiences funding technology programs. Appendices, which comprise the majority of the document, include the project scope and evaluation, and the reports from each school district. The five school…

Discusses three phases in implementing a master plan for a school-based local area network (LAN): (1) network software selection; (2) hardware selection, network topology, and site preparation; and (3) implementation time table. Sample planning and specification worksheets and a list of planning guides are included. (Contains six references.) (KRN)

The sixth statewide survey of school principals (1,094) and district superintendents (92) was conducted in April 1989 by the South Carolina State Department of Education Office of Instructional Technology with response rates of 99% and 100% respectively. This report uses tables, charts, and graphs to illustrate the results of the survey and…

Presents results of a survey of 10 vendors of microcomputer-based automated library systems. Directory information is provided for each vendor, as well as data on hardware requirements, system capabilities, and costs. (MES)

A podcast is a method of distributing multimedia files, usually (but not limited to) audio in the MP3 format, over the Internet to subscribers. Anybody can be a subscriber--one only needs the proper software to receive the subscription. In this article, the author discusses how to create one's own podcast. Before creating the podcast, one needs a…

The results of two recent statewide surveys dramatically underscore the continued expansion and use of technology for instructional and management applications in New York State's school districts. The first survey is the fall 1989 Basic Educational Data System (BEDS) School Data Form Survey, which is completed annually by all public and nonpublic…

Describes three schools that are successfully developing digital multimedia portfolios for use by students and teachers. A sidebar provides information on the tools (software and hardware) helpful in setting up digital portfolio projects. (JKP)

Describes hardware, software, and peripherals that were installed to network a stand-alone CD-ROM workstation in the library of a small K-12 school with similar computers in the computer laboratory. Experiences with two CD-ROM products--a full-text database of social science articles and an electronic version of World Book Encyclopedia--are…

Describes the growth of educational computer networks in three main categories: (1) networks for sharing peripheral equipment; (2) networks for exchanging information; and (3) networks for addressing instructional needs. The use of microcomputers and mainframe computers is examined, networks in public schools and universities are described, and…

This survey was conducted to provide a picture of how microcomputers were used in Alberta (Canada) schools in 1993. Questionnaires were sent to 125 school jurisdictions, with a return rate of 76%, and 1,524 schools, with a return rate of 87%. Data were collected on total number of computers in use, computer use by brand, expected purchase of…

In this compelling video series, popular presenter-educator Rick Wormeli examines the assessment practices that best support the differentiated classroom. He considers the role of assessment in designing differentiated lessons, the power of formative assessment, important considerations in tiering assessments, and the key components of strong…

This brief paper considers ways in which people with sensory impairments can benefit from the assistive technology available with computers. Assistive technology practitioners are urged not to focus on the disability, but on the individual's abilities and the tasks to be performed. Explanations of the major sensory disability areas precedes…

Signed in April 1996, Executive Order (E.O.) 12999, "Educational Technology: Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century," was intended to promote the transfer of unneeded federal government computer equipment to schools and educational nonprofit organizations. This report examines the supply and distribution of surplus…

Discussed are products and activities which can be used in a multimedia computer setting. Highlighted are the use of video cameras, video digitizers, and video overlays. Examples of how this technology can be used by students are described. (CW)

Investigates Project CANS (Computer-Assisted Network Systems), a program to develop computer-assisted instruction, computer-managed instruction and computer-managed classroom activities in Cook County, Illinois. Discusses the operation of the program since 1984. Provides a description of the equipment available to each classroom and building. (MVL)