This study was developed to examine a university's preservice teachers' initial self-assessments of their use of instructional technology and perceived growth at the conclusion of an introductory course. Study results suggest students are confident in their abilities to use educational technologies and are reaching new stages in technology…

Few teachers are evaluated on their ability to use technology in the classroom despite conclusive evidence that its effective use has a positive impact on student achievement and that large amounts of resources are dedicated to placing technology in schools. Teacher evaluations in 220 school districts were reviewed for this study. Only one-fifth…

In this paper the authors describe the outline of an analysis of disruptive technologies presented by Christensen in his book, "The Innovator's Dilemma." They go on to argue that the analysis can be applied to the practice of e-learning as it has been developed in higher education in the United Kingdom, and possibly elsewhere. They…

Educators often reject cell phones in the classroom, considering them destructive and distractive "toys." As a former technology coordinator, the author used to think cell phones were harmful for the classroom environment. Over time, she has come to realize that cell phones are part of the students' everyday existence. Today, students use cell…

Computers on wheels, or COWs, combine the wireless technology of today with the audio/visual carts of yesteryear for an entirely new spin on mobility. Increasingly used by districts with laptop computing initiatives, COWs are among the hottest high-tech sellers in schools today, according to market research firm Quality Education Data. In this…

There is no question that the many journals published here and around the world provide a common ground for scholars to evaluate theories or findings proposed by their peers. In the field of mass communication, the visual component should be included as a useful tool in discussing relevant issues of the day; further, the editing and preparation of…

For a public speaking instructor, his involvement in forensics as a graduate student led to the use of cameras as an instructional tool. Video technology can be used in the classroom to maximize overall student performance. All graded speeches were videotaped and evaluated in class, which allowed students an extra opportunity to view their peers,…

Technical communicators can act as educators, using their skills at bridging the gap between technology producers and consumers to show people what they can do with the new technology of computer-mediated communication (CMC), which is widely expected to bring about great social change. If CMC is to succeed where television failed at educating and…

The traditional method of evaluating student speeches involves an instructor who listens to the speeches while filling out a critique form and/or writing comments. There are many problems with the traditional method that can be solved by the use of computer feedback; moreover, it will give the student speaker specific design and evaluation…

Integrating computer-based communication into the delivery of a course is not a simple task, but it need not be a daunting one. With conscientious planning, coordination with institutional resources, preparation of training materials, and flexible responses to student learning, an instructor can readily succeed. Concerns and problems encountered…

This paper considers the importance of information and communication in rural development programs, especially their centrality to building the knowledge, motivation, and skills that lead to behavioral change in health, nutrition, family planning, economic enterprises, and agricultural development. The countries of Thailand and Indonesia, for…

This paper delineates common concerns about less popular, lower-enrollment distance education courses that are deemed important for students to be able to function effectively in an increasingly global community. Educational institutions encourage the broadening of students' experiences by offering them options in international courses. However,…

Internet is not the panacea for every problem in education but we must realize that this is a great tool that can help us empower every student and elevate each individual to new levels of intellectual capacity and skills. Combined with specifics learning objectives, it will definitely change the face of education. Technology is becoming an…

This report summarizes responses of Master Teachers to questions from a program application form and a survey administered at the conclusion of every Intel Teach to the Future Master Teacher training in the United States between March 2001 to July 2002. The data reported here demonstrate that Master Teachers' responses to this training have been…

During the summer and fall of 2003, Education Development Center's Center for Children and Technology (CCT) undertook a formative evaluation of the Intel Innovation in Education institutes. The institutes are one- to two-and-a-half day district-level trainings intended to introduce professional development providers to the online resources and…