Presents brief reviews, in roundtable discussion form, of seven professional books relating to the theme "being a progressive educator in conservative times" and spanning many topics encompassing how learning and different teaching styles and attitudes can influence what happens in and out of the classroom. (SR)

Presents methods and outcomes of a semester-long course involving cooperative hypermedia authoring and instructional strategies for preservice teachers. Posttest findings revealed that participants showed a decrease in computer anxiety through their involvement in the course, and the lowest levels of anxiety were associated with graduate rank and…

Provides a model for task computing for fifth graders that meets educational technology goals and challenges students to take full advantage of available hardware and software. Highlights include task rotation; assessment; benefits, including integrating technology into the classroom, computer literacy skills, peer tutoring, cooperative learning,…

A study of 522 university students identified variables related to library anxiety: use of computerized indexes and online facilities, gender, year of study, native language, frequency of library visits, number of library skills courses undertaken, and reasons for using the library. Recommends measures to reduce library anxiety. Includes a…

Presents a psychoanalytic critique of an advertisement for the Getty Center for Education in the Arts multicultural program. Applying principles derived from Lacan, Foucault, and Derrida, reveals basic racist, sexist, and elitist assumptions embedded in the advertisement. Includes a reproduction of the advertisement and extensive footnotes. (MJP)

To examine the effects of introducing portable computers into secondary schools, a study was conducted regarding information technology skills and attitudes of staff and eighth grade students prior to and after receiving individual portable computers. Knowledge and use of word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications increased for both…

To teach generic skills, including communication, information literacy, problem solving, teamwork, professionalism, and lifelong learning, University of Canberra's (Australia) Library and Information Science Program developed Network Information Sources (NIS), a group-based project using technology as the content and facilitator of study. NIS…

Suggests parents use catalogs to help children increase reading and math skills. Points out that catalogs link language and print, that children can increase vocabulary through picture naming, and that sorting pictures and classifying objects can increase thinking skills. Suggests that children can practice adding, counting, and comparison…

The U.S. Secretary of Education describes the Department of Education's READ*WRITE*NOW! Initiative which aims to increase literacy rates by encouraging early and frequent reading as well as summer reading for children and youth, including those with learning disabilities. The need for a closer relationship between research and practice in reading…

Media education can be taught by analyzing the ways popular media represent the sexes. Discusses stereotyped gender images in popular culture and outlines classroom activities investigating modeling poses, images of ideal and successful males and females, gender sensitive language, sex role portrayal, and violence for a media literacy unit using…

Addresses what happens when educational theories in literacy and classroom realities do not mesh. It argues a need for educational leaders to pay close attention to feedback from parents and practitioners, especially those from minority communities. (GR)

The author responds to Pinnell et al's (1996) call for caution in using cost-benefit analysis in measuring educational reform success. It is argued that reform already is being sold to state legislators and educators in cost-benefit terms and that research has been inappropriately used in the selling process. (GR)

Newfoundland and Labrador has many rural communities, low literacy rates, high unemployment, declining enrollment and population, and teacher shortages. Policy responses have been to consolidate schools, increase rural teacher pay, increase teacher recruitment, implement distance learning and distance professional development, intensify…

A teacher at a northern Ontario adult Native literacy program describes how she cultivates student motivation. The teacher-student relationship is the most influential factor for motivating students. By focusing on cultural awareness, cultural teaching practices, and a sense of community, teachers can help students be successful. Program…

This article presents an overview of phonological awareness, print awareness, and oral language development and discusses the critical role they play in emergent literacy. Recent research is reviewed and strategies are provided for promoting emergent literacy through each of these areas in the preschool classroom. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)