This paper discusses the online Personal Learning Planner (PLP) project underway at the National Institute for Community Innovations (NICI) and presents some of the details of the theory and thinking that is guiding its development. The World Wide Web-based software is part of work by NICI to develop tools for enhancing preservice teacher…

This report focuses on the research aspects of the Equipped for the Future (EFF) project that works toward system reform for adult literacy and lifelong learning. Section 1 describes the EFF process 1993-97, the impetus for EFF, and approaches to system reform. Section 2 explores the research processes EFF uses to build a framework that could…

Outlines the historical roots and purposes of the community college, from its development in the United States to the present system in Canada. Describes briefly each purpose of the community college: preparation for advanced study, occupational education, general education, guidance services, continuing education, and community services. (MF)

Challenges identified by T. Bailey (1993) as obstacles to youth apprenticeship programs are accurate but do not justify the turn to alternative approaches he recommends. U.S.-style program can be built to overcome these difficulties if employer-worker collaboration can be fostered and institutional bases can be constructed. (SLD)

S. F. Hamilton and the author agree on the potential of youth apprenticeship programs for education but disagree on the strength of the problems facing implementation of apprenticeship models. A two-level reform strategy is recommended to develop an institutional and legal structure and to encourage employer participation. (SLD)

Project Athena is a $100 million, eight-year project to install a large network of high performance computer work stations for education and research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Organizational, legal, and administrative aspects of the project allow two competitors (Digital Equipment Corporation and IBM) to work together…

Argues that the tendency to focus on the technical aspects of distance learning contributes to the infrequency of distance learning methods usage in education and training. Discusses the technical and human dimensions of distance learning, resistance to change, user perspective, and inertia and entropy. Outlines 10 human dimension principles…

A training need analysis of the position of university lecturer, undertaken at Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand), identified 10 key roles encompassing the range of expected teaching activities and a faculty development program to address them. Findings have also been integrated into the university's quality management system. Uses of…

Argues that all stakeholders in education should be consulted regarding the purpose, goals, accomplishments, and behaviors to be influenced by education, and that specific content should be accomplishment-based. Five figures illustrate: (1) the behavior/accomplishment relationship, (2) synthesis of desired K-12 accomplishments, (3) examples of…

Changing your Learning Management System (LMS) presents challenges not only to instructional faculty, but also to the students who depend on these systems to completely deliver or support their courses. In assessing the transition for students experiencing an upgrade in the campus LMS, a number of findings have real implications for developing a…

Oregon's Educational Act for the 21st Century is a remarkably comprehensive and systematic approach to school reform. Relying on a broad partnership of business leaders, parents, teachers, and educational professionals, it calls for a shift in public attitudes, a focus on outcome-based evaluations, and efforts to ensure its compatibility with…

Some steps to identify an initial set of indicators and to develop alternative indicator systems are outlined for educational evaluation and illustrated through the example of a National Science Foundation (NSF) study of mathematics and science education. The first step is to conceptualize potential indicators to specify a comprehensive monitoring…

Three supplements to the main report (December 1987) of the Task Group on Assessment and Testing in the United Kingdom are presented. The first report, "Reactions to the Main Report," examines the chief issues raised in public reaction to the main report. The national reaction has been largely positive and supportive. It is reaffirmed…

This document offers the results of a study of Nevada's telecommunications requirements, based on a comprehensive survey of existing networks associated with state and local governments, school districts, and the university system. It reports that Nevada can accrue benefits from telecommunications in the areas of education, economic development,…

This resource guide reflects, largely through statistical information, the status of health care in rural New York State. It is divided into five sections: (1) Demographics, Socioeconomics, and Technology; (2) Client Needs; (3) Provider Needs; (4) Designing an Integrated Rural Health System; and (5) Developing a Rural Health System for New York…