Features 20 outstanding books published in 2000 and selected by the 2001 Orbis Pictus Award Committee. Presents books focusing on trailblazers, exhibiting outstanding human achievement; views from the artistic world; views from the scientific world; and views from the historic world. (SG)

Presents a nonfiction sampler of 10 favorite titles of the 1990s with descriptions of features that make them distinguished examples of the genre. Notes that the comments about the 10 picks focus on several exemplary characteristics of content, access features, and visual information. Concludes that deciding which nonfiction books to share with…

A qualitative study of a group of traditionally aged undergraduate students showed their reliance on content relevance and familiarity when making source selection decisions. Credibility, convenience, and format/type were also frequently mentioned criteria. Students' year in school influenced their selection criteria and format preference.

This article provided a general framework for reviewing mathematics textbooks, including a set of quality considerations organized around three key dimensions--Mathematics Content Emphasis, Instructional Focus, and Teacher Support. The quality considerations are intended to stimulate discussion of issues surrounding textbook selection. (Contains 4…

Popular methods for fitting unidimensional item response theory (IRT) models to data assume that the latent variable is normally distributed in the population of respondents, but this can be unreasonable for some variables. Ramsay-curve IRT (RC-IRT) was developed to detect and correct for this nonnormality. The primary aims of this article are to…

We develop a matching model to account for the fact that worker turnover in Europe is much less than in the United States, whereas job turnover is roughly the same. The model assumes that the quality of worker-firm matches is both an inspection good and an experience good. Both parties have limited information at the time of meeting about the…

Total cost of ownership (T.C.O.) and return on investment (R.O.I.) are factors to remember when planning technology investment. Additionally questions relating to the purpose of the new technology and the connected hardware and software purchases need to be asked when contemplating purchase of new technology.

This article examines the impact of several variables on media choice among 51 distance education course coordinators at the Open University of Israel. Hypotheses were drawn from Media Richness Theory (Daft & Lengel, 1984), Social Influence Theory (Fulk, 1993), Media Symbolism (Trevino, Lengel & Daft, 1987), and Experience Account (King…

The ways in which Teri Lesesne, an author, selects the best book from the hundreds of books published each year are discussed. The importance of understanding the needs of the readers and the curriculum is explained.

Numerous trends today are prompting organizations to formally seek and add new board members at a record pace. In this article, the author discusses what to look for when adding a new board member and lists some top lessons learned. He concludes with a few final thoughts that should be uppermost in the mind in every new board member search.

This article begins by explaining the concepts of proprietary and open source software technology, which are now competing in the marketplace. A review of recent individual and cooperative technology development and public policy advocacy efforts, by both proponents of open source software and advocates of proprietary software, subsequently…

During the 2001-2002 school year the author was struck with the reality that their computer lab would not meet the demands of their school for another year. Greater Houlton Christian Academy (www.ghca.com) is a private school in Maine, and thus does not have access to state or federal funding. This meant that financing a new computer lab would be…

Self-authorship is an additional orientation to traditional college student, epistemological, development theories. Facilitation of self-authorship, via academic advising, may help students meet the desired outcomes outlined by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education and integrate these abilities into their knowing and…

Extensive education research on the contribution of teachers to student achievement produces two generally accepted results. First, teacher quality varies substantially as measured by the value added to student achievement or future academic attainment or earnings. Second, variables often used to determine entry into the profession and…

This policy analysis explains the need for a system approach to educator talent management. The report analyzes how state policies in the Midwest support the development of effective teachers and leaders throughout their career. The report focuses on state policies in teacher preparation including certification and licensure, recruitment and…