School systems that plan to give their students open access to the Internet need to set up policies which explain and affirm the principles of freedom of speech, freedom to read, and free access to information. A set of Internet rights and responsibilities should be outlined, and the issues of privacy and ethics should be considered. (Author/AEF)

Reviews research on the use of computers in preschool and kindergarten classrooms and their effect on social development. Also discusses gender differences in computer use among young children and the effects of computer-based activities on the inclusion of children with disabilities. Implications for preschool curriculum are examined. (MDM)

A survey of 183 rural and nonrural science teachers in northeast Texas revealed that rural science teachers were often inexperienced, uncertified, young graduates who taught three or more class assignments in older, inadequately supplied classrooms. Both rural and nonrural teachers expressed dissatisfaction with equipment and supplies. Includes…

Describes a graduate research methods course in which students were taught electronic communications skills. Lists three course requirements involving electronic mail, subscriptions to electronic journals, and participation in electronic academic lists. Discusses six problems that emerged and the student evaluations. (CFR)

Examines facets using multimedia to enhance learning. Highlights include product linkage and customization; flexibility for lesson plans; hypermedia authoring tools; student presentations; expense; incompatible and confusing systems; high memory demands; hardware standards for Windows and Macintosh programs; and CD-ROM products. (AEF)

Describes results of a pilot program conducted at Wright State University in which students judged instructors on their use of computer-aided classroom presentations. A table presents student reaction to computer-aided presentations, and the article discusses detailed comments students made about screen design, use of multimedia, instructor…

Discusses rapid changes in technology, curriculum needs, and multiculturalism and the issues they present for community colleges in the immediate future. Examines these issues in the context of works by Joel Orr, a technology consultant; Arthur Levine, president Columbia University's Teachers College; and Ronald Takaki, a University of California,…

Offers basic information for childcare directors on purchasing computer hardware and software for the center. Covers reasons for having computers, downsides to computers, the kind of computer to buy, minimum requirements for Windows-based computers and Macintosh computers, and other accessories. Presents brief descriptions of 9 software packages…

A studyware comprising a set of interconnected modules on human physiology has been developed and used to improve undergraduate students' achievements. Study results show the scores of students who used the optional computer laboratory sessions were enhanced over those who did not use the studyware. Presents examples from the modules. (LZ)

Discusses the potential role of technology in evaluating learning outcomes in large-scale, widespread science assessments. Describes current state-of-the-art techniques in this area and looks at the past and future uses of technology in large-scale science assessments. (LZ)

Discusses how computers have fundamentally changed the nature of the college language laboratory, examining specific computer programs and computer-based tools and systems. Computer-based language instruction will allow more individualized instruction, give students more control over what and how they learn, and expand the study of foreign…

Describes three schools that are successfully developing digital multimedia portfolios for use by students and teachers. A sidebar provides information on the tools (software and hardware) helpful in setting up digital portfolio projects. (JKP)

The English compositions of two groups of Hong Kong secondary school students learning English as a Second Language were compared. Results found that students who used computer word processors, on the whole, wrote better compositions than students who used pen and paper. (46 references) (MDM)

Examines distance education technology as a tool for teacher preparation and presents attitudinal data collected from elementary science teachers who used audio and video communication to complete distance education classes. Results suggest that teachers remained supportive toward the technology one year after completing the course. (JMV)

Cognitive tools, computer-based applications normally used as productivity software, can also function as knowledge representation formalisms that require learners to think critically. Databases, spreadsheets, semantic networks, expert systems, and multimedia/hypermedia construction can function as computer-based cognitive tools to expand student…