This document is intended to help open learning and distance learning practitioners use, design, and select appropriate open and distance learning materials. The document begins with a brief overview of the following forms of open and distance learning materials: workbooks; structured materials; computer-based training materials; online materials;…

This paper presents the results of a 1997-98 Goals 2000 Preservice Teacher Education Grant that created a partnership between the State University of New York at Oswego and two local elementary schools. The program was designed to provide preservice teachers in elementary education and special education methods classes the opportunity to observe…

Observed sixth-grade students and their ways of gathering information for a science report from Encarta 94, a CD-ROM encyclopedia. Developed recommendations for collaboration between the classroom teacher and the school library media specialist during the implementation of CD-ROM technology for information gathering, as well as ways to manage a…

The author examines the evolution of the current Australian demographic and its implications for the delivery of public library services. The "baby boomers", the generation born between 1946 and 1961, are the next cohort to be seriously in need of housebound services, and the characteristics and likely needs of this group are considered…

In the context of Autoparts, a multinational manufacturer for automotive electronics, Lotus Notes was employed to create an e-learning system. This system was titled "Using Notes for Case-based Learning Environments" (UNCLE). The UNCLE project attempted to encapsulate knowledge and understanding of those organizational factors that might influence…

This study examined whether the effects on cognitive and language outcomes of a recently developed home-based educational intervention program, Opstap Opnieuw, for 4-6-years-old disadvantaged children could be explained by improved mother-child interaction. The present sample (n = 30) was drawn from a larger sample of Turkish-Dutch families (n =…

Parents are increasingly expected to supplement their children's school-based learning by providing support for children's homework. However, parents' capacities to provide such support may vary and may be limited by the experience of depression. This may have implications for child development. In the course of a prospective, longitudinal study…

This paper provides a process evaluation of a 6-day teacher training programme which forms part of a sexuality education project. The training aimed at providing teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach a 16-lesson Grade 8 (14 year olds) life skills curriculum consisting of participatory exercises on sexual…

Teacher preparation typically follows one of three paths, including a professional development school (PDS) model developed by university and P-12 school faculty. Regardless of the program model, it is a research interest to determine the extent to which courses and field experience can prompt preservice teachers to advocate for the elimination of…

The role of participating stakeholders was considered as part of an 18-month research project evaluating the influences of class size (student-teacher ratio) and class mix (mixing disabilities) on special education students' educational outcomes. Stakeholders (N=81) participating in the project represented superintendents, principals, directors of…

In this study, six students were followed through 4 years of high school, documenting the impact of unlimited access to new learning tools--such as computers, scanners, and videodisc players--on their thinking, their approach to learning, and their interactions with others. The students were in two different classes and the years of case studies…

Representing a work in progress, this paper presents the theoretical framework for a longitudinal case study involving the implementation of cooperative learning strategies in an ethnically diverse urban middle school. The effects that cooperative learning has on the curriculum as perceived by teachers are also to be examined during the 3-year…

This facilitator's guide, and the videotape it accompanies, is designed to demonstrate ways in which the new visions of science education for the 21st century might be translated into classroom practice. The National Research Council's (NRC) National Science Education Standards, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Benchmarks…

This paper reports the results of observation skills training via an interactive multimedia training program for preservice teachers at Lincoln University (Missouri). The training program provides multiple videos for users to practice six types of observation methodologies, comparisons to "expert" data, and on-line access to procedural…

This collection of 13 author-contributed papers addresses various aspects of programming for students with behavioral disorders. Papers have the following titles and authors: (1) "System Support and Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents with Seriously Disordered Behaviors: Orchestrating Successful Transitions" (Eugene Edgar); (2) "Targets for…