Discusses a child-centered science project in which first-grade students integrate design drawing, construction, mathematics, and language arts to solve engineering problems related to constructing robots. Describes the construction of the robots, follow-up activities, and educational research that supports this approach to teaching. (10…

Presents an evaluation of SIRNET (Schools in a Regional Network), a project on the use of computer networks in education carried out in five secondary schools in Norway. Highlights include satisfaction with the learning environment; cooperation and help-seeking; basic conditions for a distributed model; and criteria for quality in connecting…

Describes a study that identified various strategies used by graduate students to navigate a hypermedia program about ethnographic research methodology. The strategies included independent interaction, accommodation of a learning partner, cooperation with a partner, collaboration mediated by the program, and reflective collaboration with little or…

Potential extinction of the human smallpox virus lies in the hands of a few scientists and policymakers. Whether this decision should be made can serve as an excellent issue for extended, focused classroom discussion. Outlines the history of smallpox, illustrates the debate, and describes preparation needed before discussing the issue. Also…

Describes a course that bridges the gap between pure science and pure technology called Pre-Engineering. This course gives junior and senior students a chance to investigate the possibility of choosing engineering as a major in college as well as to experience hands-on activities, projects, laboratories, problem solving, and computer simulations…

Presents a conceptual framework and a coherent method for information-technology design in an organizational context within the participatory-design tradition. The MUST method, developed through projects in Danish and American organizations, is based on thorough participation with users and managers and combines the use of ethnographic techniques…

Examines the benefits of self-empowering, group in-service training (INSET). The training involves the teaching and practicing of relevant skills, as a departmental group, in evaluation, selection, and use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and Web materials. Evaluates benefits of a model which supports teamwork and balances theoretical…

Presents a guiding framework (Relate-Create-Donate) for integrating World Wide Web technology into higher education and describes two specific strategies: "Encyclopedia Of" and "Open Projects." The Encyclopedia of Virtual Environments (EVE), Online Library of Information Visualization Environments (OLIVE), and Student HCI Online Research…

The process of implementing the successful Continuous Progress Program at Concrete Elementary School (Washington) included gathering information on multiage grouping, formulating a template for change, parent and community involvement, acceptance of diverse teaching styles and philosophies, and continuous reassessment. The basic strategies driving…

A Seattle (Washington) third-grade class's curiosity about the school's neighborhood spiraled into a student-centered, experiential community research project that integrated several curriculum requirements, especially math and writing. Learning through the questioning process, such as by developing hypotheses and interview questions, develops…

The realization that students' and teachers' collaborative efforts are more creative, innovative, and academically challenging than traditional teacher-controlled instruction is the underlying premise behind these awards given by the Foxfire Fund. Describes the learner-centered experiences of seven award-winning classrooms from around the United…

Studies four preservice elementary teachers during a field-based mathematics methods course to investigate elements of mathematics teaching and learning that teachers found problematic and how they resolved those problems. Concluded that teachers exhibited concerns about classroom context, pedagogy of mathematics, children's mathematical thinking,…

Investigated the effects of group ability composition on group processes and outcomes in science performance assessments. Findings from 21 eighth-grade science classes (445 students) show that group ability composition has a great impact on performance and that heterogeneous groups provide more of a benefit for below-average students than a…

The University of British Columbia and the Monterrey Institute of Technology set out to meet the challenging requirements of international information technology-based distance education in 1997 when they signed a collaborative agreement to develop a set of five courses in the area of technology-based distributed learning. This paper is an account…

Discusses cooperative learning, asserting that students must be individually accountable and credited for their efforts to help teammates attain goals. Describes the Peer and Self-Evaluation System (PSES), a new and reliable procedure in which students identify and record team skills and receive confidential feedback regarding personal strengths…