Describes how two professors used a robotic camera to tape their classes and improve their teaching style. The camera was found to be unobtrusive and useful in providing feedback; both professors adjusted their materials and delivery approach as a result. Tapes were used in later classes and for students who missed classes. (AEF)

Identifies "play-party" games as simple musical games requiring no instrumental accompaniment. The games were popular on the 19th-century American frontier. Recommends using these as class learning activities. Provides several lists of resources and includes notational scores and activities for two songs. (MJP)

Describes, interprets, and evaluates one secondary social-studies teacher's efforts to engage students in learning about self, others, and the world. Identifies several schooling regularities (classroom environment, student expectations, teaching load, and professional isolation) complicating teachers' efforts. Illustrates how innovative…

Reiterates the appropriateness and validity of using student journals in social studies instruction. Differentiates between personal and content area journals, the latter focusing on responses to issues raised in the classroom and readings. Maintains that journal writing increases critical and metacognitive thinking. (MJP)

This article traces the transformation of a traditional correspondence school, the National Radio Institute, that relied on postal mail for delivery into a modern technology-based distance learning center now known as NRI Schools. Topics include discovery learning; test grading; lesson answer sheets; computer assisted learning; interactive voice…

The Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) program is a network of teachers from 150 high schools, colleges, and universities in 23 states and 2 foreign countries. The program uses experiential learning to link rural schools with rural development by drawing on schools' resources to revitalize the community, while using the…

With visual aids to spark motivation and increase comprehension, with holiday storytelling to enhance interest and stir curiosity, and with techniques for mastering longer story selections, library media specialists can entertain children as well as add variety to the curriculum and develop an enriched language and learning environment.…

Describes the technology-rich American School in Tokyo, Japan, its equipment, and ways students are using the school's technology. Notes three lessons learned from working in a high-tech environment: (1) teachers must be enthusiastic about technology; (2) they must create a plan that copes with constant change; and (3) they must invest in computer…

Summarizes the extensive changes that have occurred in recent years on the Internet with regard to access and content. Maintains that the combination of subject coverage and user-friendly technology makes the Internet a valuable teaching resource. Suggests ways to incorporate this into political science instruction. (MJP)

Maintains that a liberal education emphasizing the humanities provides teachers with a more expansive view of the world and the ability to adapt to changing paradigms. Outlines strategies, developed through a two-year project, for achieving this goal. Describes the project and includes a reading list. (MJP)

Discusses barriers to threaded-topic discussions in online teaching. Suggests a better way to enhance communication and promote collaborative learning: a jointly prepared, "shared document" format. Describes the development and use of Forum MATRIX, a software program designed to maximize the potential of the shared document format. (AEF)

Distance education is growing rapidly in response to developments in technology and changes in the world culture and economy. This article reviews how the University of Wisconsin-Madison uses distance education to provide technical information and training to engineers. It also explores potential new directions for providing education and…

Results of case studies of elementary and secondary school educators on Internet use indicate that while some teachers use telecommunications simply as a new tool to implement their habitual teaching practices, others are taking advantage of Internet capabilities to employ more innovative methods. (AEF)

Recommends elementary school projects where children design and make their own musical instruments. Maintains that this familiarizes students with the family of instruments and how they produce sound. The built instruments can be as simple as a washtub bass or as complex as an electronic synthesizer. (MJP)

Suggests a multitude of ideas for students to communicate their ideas in writing using the language of mathematics. Includes a sampling of 500+ writing formats, 67 abbreviated writing assignments, and three complete assignments along with a sample student response to each. Sample assignments include advice column, biographical sketch, commercial,…