Discusses the advantages of computer technology and digital communication in literacy and literacy education, cautioning that printed books should never be abandoned in favor of digital communication despite its advantages. Examines how digital communication can be used to promote literacy for poor and isolated children in all parts of the world.…

Analyzes the experiences and experiments of the Open University (OU), United Kingdom, in the use of computer conferencing over 10 years. Provides a framework for considering educational uses of the medium and describes several innovative applications. Highlights the main issues involved in implementing this technology. (Author)

Reports on a study of student-student interaction via computer-mediated communication (CMC) in an undergraduate course at a British university. Analysis focused on: (1) interaction patterns within groups; (2) the influence of the tutor's "virtual absence," and (3) students' and tutors' evaluation of the experience. Most students valued…

Reports on a nationwide quantitative survey of academic staff use of the Internet in Australia. Topics include reasons for a mailed survey; daily use of email; access to the internet via remote dial-in services; technical support provided to academics; opportunities for further research; and implications for university administrators. (Author/LRW)

Argues that teachers in the United Kingdom should be focusing on development of confident and competent readers and writers in technologies currently available. Considers how the reader-writer relationship is affected by computer technologies and how those changes might translate into classroom practice. Identifies the need for a model that…

The Dutch government conducted a project to promote information and communication technology (ICT) use in education. To systematically gather data on ICT use in other countries, the government began a continuous survey of best practice ICT use in education via printed and electronic resources and site visits. The final report is available on the…

Describes the construction of a timer to determine reaction time for use in life science classes. Uses a computer program with a menu that suggests specific experiments. (DDR)

Describes the University of Exeter (UK), Mondex, and NatWest UK smartcard-based campus card system project. Smartcards, wallet-sized plastic cards with microprocessors, interface with network terminal devices and are programmable as data, identity, and finance cards. International standard multiple operating system (MULTOS) increases current…

Discusses environmental education in New Zealand and the role of technology in environmental education. Examines the role of participatory research in environmental education, suggesting that participatory research can be enhanced through the use of information technologies (IT). Describes two studies and identifies six themes to consider when…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Hong Kong during which computer ethics were discussed at student interviews. Attitudes of students who had attended a subcourse on ethical and social matters related to computer use were compared with the interviewees. Results provide implications for further development in the area of computer…

Interviews, questionnaires, and observation of mathematics teachers in their implementation of computers in their classroom found that use of computers is unlikely to result in changes in learning or teaching unless the personal philosophy of classroom practice held by each teacher undergoes a major transformation. (Author/MKR)

The current decade has witnessed an unprecedented relationship, in character and impact, between technological innovation and social and economic organization. A new information society has been born, in which services offered by technologies support human activities. This represents both revolution and occupational opportunity. The ability to…

Reports on an investigation of information and communications technology (ICT) skills and knowledge needs of teachers working in Scotland that indicated relatively low use of ICT and a number of key issues which have implications for teacher training and development. Suggests that a more holistic approach is required that includes appropriate…

Reviews the educational and technological approaches used in telematics-based open and distance learning (ODL). Particular reference is made to projects supported by the Telematics Applications Program (TAP) of the Fourth Framework of the EC Research and Technological Development Program. Concentrates on practice, reflecting the interest in how…

Reports current governmental initiatives and projects on the elementary/secondary school and university level to provide a brief overview on the state of educational technology in Germany. Discusses conferences and exhibitions concerning the use of media in education, and uses of the Internet and distance education. (AEF)