WordArt is a wizard feature in MS Word that changes text into a graphic object. It is located in the MS Word menu bar: Insert, Picture, WordArt. Text can be edited to create a multitude of special effects--all with very little, if any, graphic arts training. WordArt is perfect for word processing writing, allowing even primary students to create…

Integration of technology in all forms of education has narrowed down the gap between the on- and off-campus students and has resulted in the use of the more broad-based term "distributed learning". Consequently, distance learning is seen as a subset of distributed learning, focusing on students who may be separated in time and space from their…

Because the modern an age demands technological and visual literacies alongside strong skills in reading and writing, students must be effective communicators in order to succeed. In this article, the author argues that in order to prepare students for success outside of the classroom, a twelfth grader needs to do more than read at a twelfth grade…

In this article, we offer a research-based theoretical framework for sustainability, describing the proven qualities of a project and the innovations that support its sustained existence over time. We then describe how a US Department of Education Technology Innovation Challenge grantee, working to promote technology integration in a…

The development of the computer along with the widespread use of the Internet has rapidly promoted Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) as a very important communication media, which can be used widely and effectively in foreign language teaching and learning. This essay tries to explore the advantages of CMC as well as its proposed application,…

Many challenges associated with distance education and technology integration initiatives focus on faculty issues and concerns. This article analyzes these difficulties by identifying from the literature current trends affecting faculty, faculty motivators, and faculty challenges. Then, following this review and analysis, the article presents…

Technology is a part of most teacher education programs, but once teachers are in the classroom, they often discover it is difficult to find time to learn new things. Technology changes so fast that it is hard to keep up. Especially for elementary-level teachers, this problem simply means that it is difficult or impossible to efficiently integrate…

In a time when districts are scraping for every penny, it seems almost unthinkable that they would let E-Rate funds get away. But the truth is, a lot of money is being left behind. In fact, districts' use of awarded E-rate funds declined from 80 percent in 2000 to 55 percent in 2004, according to E-Rate consulting firm Funds for Learning. Wise…

The authors provide a framework to aid instructional decision-making regarding classroom calculator use. The guide focuses on both teacher goals and the students' needs and abilities. The reader is challenged to rethink the possible role that calculators can serve for all students, in particular, as a classroom accommodation for students with…

A "wiki" is a class of Web site that lets authorized users create and modify pages (sometimes called articles) as well as search for information. The term also sometimes describes the software that makes the site possible. The most famous example of a wiki is Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia with articles that are written and edited by site…

With technological advancements abounding, music educators should take advantage of technology to enhance their programs and streamline their operation. This article describes why a music program needs a Web site. Web sites for music programs and performing groups offer significant benefits. These benefits are: (1) better communication and…

This book, written by authors representing 12 countries and five continents, is a collection of international perspectives on distance learning and distance learning implementations in higher education. The perspectives are presented in the form of practical case studies of distance learning implementations, research studies on teaching and…

This study explored the level of usage of preservice teachers' and instructors' utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT). Thus, the main purpose of this study was to examine factors that contribute to preservice teachers' utilization of technology and suggest recommendations regarding to the effective utilization of…

An exploratory case study was designed to obtain pre­service teachers' expectations of and attitudes toward the learning and integrating of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into their teaching and learning. Given the diverse demographic backgrounds and social conditions of the teacher candidates, such as age, gender, English…

To meet the challenges of fast-paced globalization and a more demanding high-tech environment of the future, it is imperative to train students for equipping with relevant abilities and competencies, especially in online literacy and communication skills, and assist them to build correct technology attitude and belief. Student teachers'…