A great deal of experimentation with telecommunications technologies is occurring in both New Zealand and Atlantic Canadian rural schools. New Zealand has developed a National Information and Communications Technology Strategy, the objectives and initiatives of which are described. On both the North and South Islands, small rural schools have…

Historically, in the educational field, numerous efforts have been made to facilitate the complex process of second language (L2) reading comprehension. While computers are increasingly being used for instruction for L2 reading, there is not yet a solid understanding of how this technology can be effectively used in the area of L2 reading…

This paper presents the main research findings of a large scale investigation about the state of the art in information and communications technology (ICT) use for educational purposes in Belgium, and specifically the current situation in Flemish universities. The main focus is on user characteristics and the attitudes of educators. Questions…

This document contains 59 papers presented at a conference in England on approaches to lifelong learning and higher education through the Internet. Representative papers include the following: "The University of the Highlands and Islands Project: A Model for Networked Learning?" (Veronica Adamson, Jane Plenderleith); "The Costs of…

This digest examines how technology can support multicultural education. Multicultural education represents an approach to education and the teaching-learning process that is grounded in the democratic ideals of justice and equality. Five critical dimensions of multicultural education are: content integration, knowledge construction, prejudice…

Today university students are demanding a greater say in their tertiary education. In particular they are demanding a greater flexibility in the way they receive their instruction, and it is imperative that course delivery strategies that fulfil these expectations are investigated. On-line delivery of learning materials offers teacher and students…

This book provides an analysis of teaching and learning and the network of issues and concerns that underpin distance education. It reviews several existing models that permeate current practice, and that will influence future practice, and relates these to pedagogics. The book provides not only an overview of historical developments but explains…

Preparing teachers to incorporate technology into teaching is a requirement in teacher education. Using a course Web site as an instructional method expands students' understanding of technology applications. One aspect of a course Web site particularly suited to facilitating and improving learning is a discussion area (bulletin board) where…

This proceedings contains papers that address the following topics related to educational technology: (1) alternative course delivery, including planning and implementing a World Wide Web-based education program, describing an interstate collaborative approach to Web-based instruction, moving Web-based courses to the next level, and putting real…

This paper describes the use of commercial application and programming software to provide language students with self-access materials used in their own time. In all cases, it assumes such students will be unsupervised. The idea is that in place of buying expensive and restricted commercially produced authoring packages, a teacher with limited…

Operating Systems IV is a subject taught to fourth-year information technology learners at Technikon Natal, a tertiary educational institution in KwaZulu Natal (South Africa). During 1998, the need to introduce elements of flexibility in this course was identified. As a result, a virtual classroom was used as a communal resource base and a…

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) administered a short survey of public school teachers in 1999 that included items on teachers' use of computers and the Internet. This report draws on that survey to describe teachers' use of education technology in their classrooms and schools, availability of this technology, their training and…

Most people agree that it is important for children to be able to express their likes, dislikes, needs, and ideas. It is also important for their parents, siblings, peers, teachers, and others to be able to understand them. Yet for children with language impairments, trying to communicate is not only frustrating but can be overwhelming. In…

Identifies cultural universals as general categories of traits that all cultures possess, the delineation of which can distinguish one culture from another. These include, material culture, social organization, and economic organization. Discusses teaching strategies for exploring these phenomena. Includes a sample lesson and related World Wide…

Describes the Critical Issues Forum, a multidisciplinary program designed to encompass computer technology, current global issues, and effective teaching and learning practices. Features open-ended, collaborative activities that deal with current, real-world issues. Discusses analysis of the issues and integrating technology. (JRH)