Demonstrates the use of foundational elements of Keiretsu to construct a feasible model for the effective and efficient use of technology in distance education. Six major models of distance education are described; and concerns in distance education are discussed, including access, human interaction, fiscal concerns, and technology concerns. (16…

Uses the theme of the postal service as a basis for connecting mathematics to art, social studies, children's literature, and real-life situations. Stresses communication and cooperative groups. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents a team-oriented student activity designed to introduce trigonometric ratios and applications of selected trigonometric functions by constructing tables of values. Can be used at the middle school level. (MKR)

Describes distinctions between networked and traditional information resources, explains how these affect user education, and discusses how to transform traditional library instruction into meaningful network education. The nature of the Internet, the librarian's role, staff training, user instruction, using the network to teach, and opportunities…

Discusses trends and issues that are involved in state planning for educational telecommunications. Topics discussed include distance education; fiscal concerns; cost effectiveness; policymaking; models for coordinated telecommunications planning; the involvement of businesses in educational telecommunications planning; and state organizations and…

Describes the creation of a computer-assisted course in introductory psychology. Discusses cost, availability, and requirements for hardware and software development. Provides a guide for teachers interested in developing such a course. Discusses student projects, a homework checker, exercises, and examinations. Argues that the technology frees…

Outlines the impact of current divisions in the information infrastructure of the information environment on the ability of knowledge workers to integrate information across media and sources of information. Discussion covers information "seams," inaccessible information, information overload/impoverishment, and bottlenecks. The…

Discusses a project using cooperative learning as a tool for building learning communities of minority teachers in Texas, describing academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills, and collaboration in relation to 50 teachers participating in the project. Cooperative learning and teacher empowerment brought teachers closer together in a short…

The Student Study Team (SST) is described as a California intervention model that encourages effective multidisciplinary team participation. The development, training, operation, and evaluation of such teams are discussed, and implementation recommendations are offered. The article includes a flow chart of the SST process, a meeting competency…

Increased use of cooperative learning methods is a visible change in mathematics education in the last decade. Research questions on cooperative learning concerning different models employed, their effectiveness compared to traditional methods of instruction, their effects on student achievement, and cognitive and affective benefits gained during…

Research on cooperative learning is reviewed, with emphasis on issues related to the formation and implementation of cooperative learning groups. Theoretical bases for the efficacy of cooperative learning are presented. Specific suggestions are provided for implementing a collaborative approach to learning based on extant theory and research. (SLD)

Definitions and lists of critical thinking abilities, along with guidelines for utilizing the Delphi Technique, are presented as a procedural model for districts searching for curriculum consensus. Results are reported for a study wherein 16 educators of gifted students used the Delphi Technique to reach consensus on criteria for a thinking skills…

A way in which to shift the focus away from lecture and the professor during class time to student-centered discussion groups is presented. An exercise used in a course on chemical process analysis that uses the group discussion method is included. (KR)

Describes experiences of a fifth grade teacher who converted her classroom to a whole language teaching and learning environment. In her child-centered classroom, she emphasizes student empowerment and decision making, cooperative learning, and flexibility. Her top priority is for students to participate and learn critical thinking and…

Shows how picture books and other children's literature can make the Middle Ages come alive in an eighth grade class. Discusses the use of small groups and collaboration to help students complete and present research projects. Includes a 21-item annotated bibliography of books and other instructional material. (PRA)