This paper describes how a fourth grade class at a Canadian laboratory school used an approach to knowledge building that had students participating as intentional learners as they specialized in interest groups for their study of light. It examines how, later in the year, the goal of building collective knowledge became the focus for this group…

This document contains two papers on globalization versus localization from ICCE/ICCAI 2000 (International Conference on Computers in Education/International Conference on Computer-Assisted Instruction). The first paper, "Implementing Modern Approaches to Teaching Computer Science: A Cross-Cultural Perspective" (Jill Slay and Kam W. Li),…

This paper reports the findings of a comparative study of the content of electronic exchanges among members of learning communities to determine what kinds of online dialogue differences, if any, exist. The virtual learning communities compared are two cohorts within the same professional preparation program for teachers aspiring to become school…

This book focuses on designing instruction that integrates the use of computer assisted resources. There are 19 chapters in four parts. Part 1, "Strategies for Teaching with Standard Utility Software Programs," includes (1) "Paint Programs"; (2) "Graphic Organizers"; (3) "Graphing Programs"; (4)…

This paper reports on efforts to design a computer-based instructional unit for 7th grade students that would not only address state standards but would also provide some groundwork for the students' subsequent formal study of algebra. SimCalc Mathworlds software was used to explore the same motion from different perspectives. The overall…

This report documents findings from a qualitative investigation conducted by the Center for Children and Technology (CCT), a multi-year study of the impact of the JASON project on students and teachers. Focus group interviews were used to ascertain how teachers use the JASON curriculum with different groups of students and to explore teachers' use…

This paper describes the design of an instrument to help identify teachers' level of information and communications technologies (ICT) uptake. The instrument takes the form of a typology matrix comprising four stages in ICT uptake across a continuum describing teachers' levels of dependence. Identification of teachers' positions in the typology…

The authors present two case studies in the use of computers in the classroom, one involving an introductory computer science class, the other an upper division literature class. After describing each case, the differences are discussed, showing that pedagogical models developed for one discipline may not transfer to another, and that the…

Learning at a distance has been on the fringe of educational acceptance since the first correspondence course was delivered through the mail system in return for academic credit. As distance learning has matured, elements of enhanced instructional design and advances in educational technology have migrated this medium of learning closer to the…

The conference paper topics include: business and information technology (IT) education; knowledge management; teaching software applications; development of multimedia teaching materials; technology job skills in demand; IT management for executives; self-directed teams in information systems courses; a team building exercise to software…

A good news scenario about the future of education in the United States includes many things that are already being done and other things that can be dreamed of. One example is the "Awesome All-Stars Academy," a dream of a group of dedicated politicians, administrators, teachers, parents, community members, and students who took seriously their…

This paper reports on a computer initiative implemented by a metropolitan school district in Virginia. The initiative began in 1995 when the school district of 44,000 students funded 5 computers and a color printer for each elementary classroom in 34 schools. The goals of the initiative focused on: increasing student performance; addressing…

This book looks at the developing understanding of approaches to online teaching and the emergence of pedagogies that will ensure online teaching and learning materials are effective. Contributors to this volume were participants at an expert seminar held at the International Center for Learner Managed Learning at Middlesex University, London, and…

Computer mediated communication tools enable today's distance learners to engage in collaborative problem solving, threaded discussions, and peer tutoring through asynchronous distance learning environments. This paper suggests that these are best accomplished by establishing virtual learning communities, which break down traditional…

This study evaluates the use of graphing calculators in the science classroom within the context of a collaborative action research approach. A class of diversified middle-class students (n=650) defined by teachers and administrators as "above average" were studied. Initially, information was gathered on current classroom management techniques as…