The first step toward the renaissance of the small school must be the determination of its inherent strengths and the identification of its structural weaknesses. Steps can then be taken to build program and procedures on those strengths, while at the same time devising expedients to reduce if not eliminate the weaknesses. However, it should be…

Describes a truck and bus mechanics program at Mid-Florida Technical Institute in Orlando that has successfully used an individual learning system for over two years. The 1,350-hour (two-year) course utilizes learning activity packets (LAPs) over three levels of achievement. Information provided on job placement and salaries indicates the…

Briefly describes the creation and evolution of Unesco's General Information Programme; the integration of the information, library, and archives components; the changes in emphasis to respond to evolving needs; and current challenges and adjustments to budgetary limitations. (Author/CLB)

Robert Burns wrote: "The best laid schemes of Mice and Men oft go awry". This could be considered the motto of most educational innovation. The question that arises is not so much why some innovations fail (although this is very important question), but rather why other innovations succeed? This study investigated the success factors of…

This report presents results from the fifth annual survey of Advanced Technological Education (ATE) projects, centers, and articulation partnerships. ATE has approximately 220 active awards. Of these, 163 ATE-funded projects, centers, and articulation partnerships were asked to participate in the 2004 survey. During the survey administration…

Highlights of this issue include: (1) Accommodating College Students with Cochlear Implants (Catherine Clark); (2) The Director's Column (Dianne Brooks); (3) Upcoming Events by State; (4) Practice What you Preach! (Jane Jarrow); (5) NETAC Central Office/Site Coordinators tear-out page; and (6) "Starting Off on the Right Foot" Program…

A key challenge of Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system is to serve the broad needs of individuals, communities, and industries. This includes the provision of literacy and generic skills which meet the needs of all groups. This study investigates and documents workplace literacy in aged care facilities and call centres,…

The Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology (British Columbia) prepared its 2000/2001 Annual Report to summarize key projects and activities and their outcomes over the last fiscal year. The centre has managed numerous projects for the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training, and Technology, as well as other clients. Throughout this wide…

Discusses the difficulties and shortcomings associated with the strategies utilized in the implementation of educational technology projects around the world. Three of the most common mistakes which occur when educational technologies are adopted as solutions for educational problems are examined. (AM)

Outlines the benefits of human performance assessment and examines the reasons why testing hasn't become a general practice in organizations. Describes five steps in creating a test/assessment instrument: analysis; construction; reliability; validity; and setting standards. (AEF)

Highlights the innovative programs and exemplary practices of seven schools: Wahlert High School and Prairie Rich School in Iowa; Randels Elementary School, Kalkaska Middle School, Hartford High School, and Detroit Kettering High School in Michigan; and Navajo Nation's Dennehotso Boarding School. Details the efforts undertaken at each school. (AJL)

Investigates the distance education and information technology literature in an attempt to develop a model to measure quality and learning in online courses. The resulting model is the first proposed to address issues of flexibility, responsiveness, interaction, student learning, technical support, technology, and student satisfaction…

Defines multimedia didactics and notes instructional aids they offer. Highlights include interactivity within learning programs; the visualization and presentation of learning contents; the effectiveness in information programs; and the challenge of multimedia didactics for research and teaching. (AEF)

A discussion of Boston College's system allowing students to display and print their campus records at automated teller machines (ATMs) around the institution looks at the system's evolution, current operations, human factors affecting system design and operation, shared responsibility, campus acceptance, future enhancements, and cost…

A study investigated spell check programs to determine how they differ in producing target words in the first position in the replacement list for misspellings generated by 111 students with learning disabilities in grades 3-8. Overall, the spell checkers were ineffective in producing target words first in the replacement list. (Contains…