Texas Tech University offers online courses in special education for graduate credit or inservice education. This approach addresses the problems of time, distance, resources, and expertise experienced by rural educators. Unenrolled practitioners not interested in returning to school can access chat rooms and threaded discussions to get support…

Presents seven reading activities involving the preschool classroom writing environment, using big books and predictable books, using cereal boxes to foster emergent literacy, using editorials, visual-auditory links, reading outside the classroom, and ownership of writing. (MG)

Examines relationships between critical thinking and writing. Compares a pencil-and-paper and computer-assisted versions of a process/model program to a traditional composition program. Reports experimental groups showed greater argumentative powers. Extends approach to poetry and technical writing. Suggests collaborative learning potential.…

University of Texas (Austin) freshman and senior English literature students and graduate humanities students tested a synchronous local area computer network's applicability for classroom discussion and collaborative exams and essays. Student responses to 50-70 research questions show advantages of computer-assisted classroom discussion (CACD)…

Reviewed are 11 studies reported in Dissertation Abstracts International for Social Sciences in 1989. Topics include problem solving, mathematics education, LOGO computer language, implementation of instructional computing, algebra, effects of differential grouping on learning science skills, simulations, and graphing as they relate to the use of…

Describes two computer programs for chemistry: (1) "A Microcomputer Simulation of Fractal Electrodeposition" (provides for the study of fractal aggregrates, BASIC 4.0); and (2) "Counters on Grids" (a game to illustrate the distribution of energy). Notes the programs are available from the authors. (MVL)

Cooperation--between elementary physical education (PE) specialists, classroom teachers, students, and others involved in elementary PE--is the theme of this nine-article feature. Topics include professional recognition for PE, integration of PE into the elementary curriculum, PE and classroom teacher research, field day activities, and…

Examines teaching styles, technology use, and implementation of thematic units among preservice and practicing teachers. Findings indicated that teachers' instructional styles influenced the ways computer technology and thematic instruction were implemented. Suggests that successful integration of technology and thematic instruction requires…

Contends that, in the past few years, historians have shown increasing interest in the utilization of databases and database software for both teaching and research. Focuses on the value of historical databases and illustrates the approach with examples drawn from financial and industrial databases. (CFR)

A system to monitor student reactions to what is occurring on a computer screen is described. The system produces a split-screen image of the computer screen and the student's physical (facial and bodily) and verbal responses. It was developed to help improve an independent-study prototype for a finance course at Pennsylvania State University.…

Maintains that a continually recurring task for art educators is preparing, delivering, and revising instruction design to help student achieve art curriculum goals. Describes a course to develop instructional materials using multimedia computer software. Includes 11 figures illustrating the technique. (CFR)

Presents a summary of research findings related to factors involved in effective economics instruction and student achievement. Finds that student academic ability and teachers training in economics are the two most important variables of students' economic knowledge. (CFR)

Describes the creation and design of Co-NECT, a computer and networking project created by Bolt Beranek and Newman Educational Technologies to help improve teaching and learning in K-12 schools. Discusses student and teacher experiences, evaluations of experiences, necessary school infrastructures, and the organization and politics of schools and…

Maintains that sociology was founded in the 19th century as a discipline for the scientific study of social order. Contends that the discipline has been attacked by both liberals and conservatives. Argues that teaching sociology as a laboratory science is the best way to improve the discipline's professional and public image. (CFR)

Summarizes concerns addressed at the 1991 "Future Tense: Art Educational Technology" conference. Addresses two questions implicit throughout: (1) how do the arts serve this new technology? and (2) how can the technology best serve arts education? Reports that among the most troublesome issues addressed were access and equity, the…