This handbook is intended to facilitate the assessment of technology used to support elementary and secondary education in the United States. It is designed to help decision makers and technology users prepare, collect and assess information about whether and how technology is being used in their school systems. To make assessments that will be…

There is a digital divide occurring on every possible level: locally, nationally, and globally. Many people argue that the digital divide unfairly equips wealthy citizen and their children with more information and opportunities than those with lower incomes. In addition, there is a big debate around the world whether technology has benefited…

In 1997, the report of the National Library of Education advisory Task Force called for creation of an education information network. Such a network would provide resources to all potential users, young and old, male and female, throughout the United States. With the call to create a United States Educational Information Network (USEIN) has come…

This study presents preliminary information about how Alberta school jurisdictions are currently providing technical support to schools and administrative offices. The focus of the study is on costs, planning and management practices, and key issues. Six "case study" jurisdictions were examined in depth, and a questionnaire was used to…

This publication includes seven articles. "ATE Grants Generate Life-Changing Experiences" discusses the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grants, which provide seed money and other support that community college educators use to enhance technical training and improve math and science instruction. "Phone…

To address the need to understand the extent and types of teacher use of computers and the Internet, as well as teachers' perceptions of their own preparedness to use these tools in their classes, a National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) survey was commissioned. The survey found that 99% of full-time regular public school teachers…

A model is presented for the implementation of instructional technology into schools. After a brief definition of instructional technology, its advantages and disadvantages are outlined and factors that contribute to the failure or success of an instructional technology program are highlighted. Each of the following components of the model are…

Discussion of online learning focuses on course development at a South African residential institution that incorporated online assignments into a face-to-face journalism course to introduce information technology. Describes course structure, activities, assessment methods, student involvement, and problems with students' lack of computer skills…

Discusses gender differences in computer literacy and the unsuccessful integration of computer technology and its impact on girls and minorities. Describes a study of fourth graders that investigated attitudes toward books, television, and computers; home access to computers; changes in computer confidence; and links between inequitable access and…

The importance and urgency of rural education to each state was assessed using seven and nine indicators, respectively. The Mid-South Delta, central Appalachia, coastal Southeast, the north Plains, and northern New England emerged as priority rural education regions. The most important urgency indicators were teacher salaries, computer use, school…

Discusses the First Global Classroom Youth Conference, 1993, that was organized to involve students in the design and analysis of global educational computer networks. Guidelines were suggested in three areas: (1) language and cultural issues; (2) curricular and academic issues, including the credibility of online resources; and (3) technical and…

Examines technology access and use in urban, suburban, and rural schools by using data from the eighth-grade cohort of the 1988 National Educational Longitudinal Survey. Results indicate significant differences in the use of mathematics technology in school settings, and that inequalities in educational opportunity still need to be addressed. (JKP)

A study was conducted at Edith Cowan University on providing information literacy education to remote students through communication technology. Highlights include educational theory, information literacy, and the role of the library; attitudes to external study and library use; attitudes and access to technology; confidence levels in information…

Presents an exploratory study of a Web-based distance education course at an Australian university. Identifies factors associated with teaching effectiveness in online delivery: the technology used, including ease of access, navigation, interaction, and interface; instructor characteristics; and student characteristics, including previous use of…

Presents cases of four Latino middle school students who gained home Internet access for the first time in connection with an educational technology project set in an urban public school in Detroit. Investigated how the students and their families perceived and used the Internet as a tool for education, recreation, and socializing. (Author/LRW)