This document contains the following papers on special needs from the SITE (Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education) 2002 conference: (1) "Selected Technology-Infused Thematic Activities for Elementary and Special Education Teacher Education Programs" (Cindy L. Anderson and Kevin M. Anderson); (2) "Educational IT: How Students and…

As research through the Internet becomes the method of choice by many students, assessment of Internet materials, student motivation to use traditional research methods, and other pedagogical concerns have become issues in the learning process. This paper describes experiences of faculty from several applied disciplines (i.e., social work, human…

This final report for the Washington State Technology Plan for K-12 Common Schools provides a vision, long-term framework, and recommendations for implementation. Following an executive summary and a list of committee members, the first section of the report discusses technology in K-12 schools of tomorrow, including legislative charge, vision,…

This third evaluation progress report concerns a 5-year project that links technology and the visual and performing arts with other subject areas to transform the education of K-12 students in Nebraska and nationwide. The report states that the "Community Discovered" project is continuing to make substantial and consistent progress in…

This paper focuses on the design of effective lesson plans using the Internet. Effective lesson design helps students to explore ideas, acquire and synthesize information, and frame and solve problems. The creative problem solving which depends upon context, interrelationships, and real-world activities is available through Internet projects.…

Digital literacy, the ability to understand, evaluate, and integrate information in multiple, computer-delivered formats, is a critical skill. A multimedia computer with an Internet connection allows people to construct information from around the world. Virtual instruction is best used to supplement, not replace classroom teachers. Educators…

Notes that rapid introduction of information and communication technologies in United Kingdom schools, along with government-mandated curriculum requirements, has not been matched by growth in practitioners' understanding of appropriate ways to use the technology. Examines the successful implementation of technology in early childhood settings…

Describes the components of Singapore's Masterplan for Information Technology (IT) in Education, which lays out a comprehensive strategy for creating an IT-based teaching and learning environment in every school. Discusses the impact on childhood learning and on the teaching staff, highlighting the experience of one of the demonstration schools as…

Explores issues related to the use of technology in Indian schools, drawing on information from a variety of sources, such as interviews with parents and teachers, school visits, government information, and magazine and journal articles. Examines India's cultural and educational environments; diversity of parents' and educators' attitudes about…

Describes a study of economically disadvantaged first and second graders in Chile that evaluated the effects of the introduction of educational videogames into the classroom on mathematics and reading comprehension. Investigated effects on learning, motivation, and classroom dynamics; teachers' expectations of change; and technological transfer.…

Describes a project in which an inquiry approach to learning and teaching in an urban first-grade classroom resulted in a student-created database. Illustrates how computer integration in reading/language arts instruction caused students to participate more in group inquiry, using their individual abilities to contribute to group projects; it also…

Investigated the impact of seven factors related to school technology (technology planning, leadership, curriculum alignment, professional development, technology use, teacher openness to change, and teacher non-school computer use) on five dependent measures (teacher's technology competency, technology integration, teacher morale, impact on…

A Newfoundland study examining how information technologies affect teaching interviewed 13 teachers at a leading high school in the use of information technology. Teachers used information technology to interact on a global basis, expand resources, enhance local content, and customize material. Problems included need for training, information…

Teachers are increasingly expected to employ integrated technology practices in their classrooms to help their students, but they rarely have training on how to use such practices. The article discusses the need to get integrated technology practice into preservice and inservice teacher education, especially reading and language arts. (Author/SM)

Describes undergraduate projects at Harvey Mudd College (California) that use advanced laboratory equipment and procedures normally reserved for graduate students. Examples are given in experimental biology (e.g., digital imaging and DNA analysis), in physics (e.g., using satellites to study earthquake faults), and in mathematics (e.g., teaching…