This paper reports on two case studies conducted at three schools in California. The first case study investigated computer literacy levels of 35 teachers at one elementary school and one middle school. Both schools have fast access to the Internet, and each classroom has at least one computer hooked up to the Internet. Findings indicate that…

This report presents key findings from the 2003 FRSS survey on Internet access in U.S. public schools and selected comparisons with data from previous FRSS Internet surveys. The 2003 survey, covered the following topics: (1) school connectivity, including school and classroom access to the Internet, types of connections, and computer hardware,…

Discusses the use of the Internet in the classroom. Presents a project on renewable energy sources in which students produce web pages. Provides the web page address of the project completed by students. (ASK)

Presents three problems based on the price of aluminum designed to encourage students to be cooperative and to use an investigative approach to learning. Students collect and synthesize information, analyze results, and draw conclusions. (AIM)

An Iowa school district has retooled its computer systems for more standardized administration. In addition to administration, the district is doing inhouse databasing of financial accounting, and doing inhouse scheduling and grade reporting. A partnership with the Chamber of Commerce contributed $500,000 for the network system. (MLF)

Presents The Learning Web, a web site dedicated to K-12 earth science education that is maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey. Includes earth science activities and information presented in three categories: (1) Global Change; (2) Working With Maps; and (3) Earth Science. Also features other educational sections such as Ask-A-Geologist, Dynamic…

Describes a project where students use the Internet as a research tool. Discusses using e-mail to access molecular biology databases and identify proteins using amino acid sequences, obtaining complete amino acid sequences using the world wide web, using telnet to access library resources on the Internet, and various stages of protein analysis…

Suggests that the Internet plays an important role in socialization and that children need to be recognized as active participants rather than passive recipients of multimedia texts and messages. Argues that there needs to be a shift away from the current emphasis on restriction to a focus on communication between adults and children. (LRW)

Describes a study of college women (n=20) who participated in an experimental version of an introductory physics course that used a Physics Careers Web site. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Details the use of online homework assignments designed to more actively engage students in a general education geoscience course. Concludes that students come to class better prepared and that both groups benefit from a problem-based learning approach. (Contains 17 references.) (DDR)

Describes the AstraZeneca-Exeter Science through Telematics (AZEST) project and reports that the Internet has much potential as a communication channel for the provision and discussion of INSET materials for primary science in the UK. Evaluates websites dedicated to primary science at the local level, concept mapping for stimulating discussion,…

Responds to the article, "Blackboard's COURSEINFO: Supplementing In-Class Teaching with the Internet," by David M. Fahey. Focuses on the benefits and drawbacks to using this software to have a paperless course Includes an overall review of COURSEINFO. (CMK)

Describes a study that developed and field-tested the Classroom Community Scale, which measures the sense of community in a learning environment, and to determine its validity and reliability for use with university students taking distance courses via the Internet. Considers gender and ethnic groups, and a copy of the scale is appended.…

Discusses the use of Blackboard COURSEINFO at Miami University (Ohio). Focuses on the promotion of courseware intended for supplementing traditional teaching, but not replacing it. Describes the content of COURSEINFO and includes graphics, displaying sections of COURSEINFO. (CMK)

A strategy game is an online interactive game that requires thinking in order to be played at its best and whose winning strategy is not obvious. Provides information on strategy games that are written in Java or JavaScript and freely available on the web. (KHR)