Principals can influence teachers and instructional behavior by working through linkage mechanisms within the organizational structure of the school. Two types of linkages are identified: bureaucratic and cultural. Principals have access to linkages of both kinds; using linkages effectively, they can generate a common purpose in their schools. (MD)

Discusses alterable elements of classroom organization, traditional approaches to instructional improvement, and "component building," an alternative approach to education. The component-building approach involves an extensive program of field experimental research on classroom practices that are or could become components of complete…

Discusses the uses and effect of computers in schools. Describes and discusses the three general categories of services and activities associated with microcomputer applications that are provided by the Tennessee State Department of Education: instructional support tools, curriculum programs and literacy activities, and technical assistance. (SB)

Updated to reflect changes and advances in the supervision of teachers, this highly respected text provides a comprehensive overview of the field of instructional supervision, including instructional development, curriculum development, and staff development. Throughout, the authors emphasize practice, particularly the supervisor's…

In this article, the author discusses seven characteristics of classrooms that encourage maximum student participation in the education process: (1) democracy; (2) scientific method; (3) creativity; (4) change; (5) individualization; (6) socialization; and (7) problem solving. Using these concepts to make students part of the instructional…

This book discusses enhancing student achievement through project-based learning with multimedia. Chapter 1 describes project-based multimedia learning. Chapter 2 presents a multimedia primer, including the five basic types of media objects (i.e., images, text, sound, motion, and interactivity). Chapter 3 addresses making a real-world connection,…

The planning, design, production and presentation of interactive learning exhibits (ILEs) by students in elementary and secondary teaching credential programs provided authentic learning experiences in the integration of computers in teaching and learning settings. This paper includes a rationale and brief overview of the theoretical underpinnings…

The first online course at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) was offered in the fall semester of 1997. However, until spring 2001, the Computer Science Department had never offered a course that was completely online, though many courses have had substantial online components. In fall 2000, the authors decided that an on-line Computer…

How can students use technology as a tool to further learning in the classroom? How can an online database discussion improve participation and encourage historical thinking skills for all students? How can FileMaker Pro help students transcend the constraints of classroom time and space to facilitate a more global design of classroom discussion?…

The California History/Social Science Project is using an action research model to investigate the use of online discourse in professional development and K-12 History/Social Science classrooms. There are three goals--to investigate ways of enhancing students' historical thinking and understanding; to use technology to manifest methodologies and…

As educators work to address the challenge of students meeting state standards, alignment of what is tested with what is taught has been identified as a key to successful improvement efforts. This research brief focuses on what research and best practices say about improving alignment between state assessments and district and school curricula. It…

In 1999, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing received a 5-year grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration to provide online baccalaureate completion courses for RNs (Registered Nurses). At the completion of the first year, all six theory courses were offered online. Clinical courses are offered…

This guide provides examples of how youth service librarians in school and public libraries have responded to their patrons' interest in and need to know about the Internet. Chapter 1, "Instructional Programs," presents creative programs and Web sites that public libraries have developed to teach children and their parents about the…

This proceedings contains 63 papers presented at ASCLITE (Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education) 2001. The focus is on the following themes related to the use of computers in higher education: (1) reflection in and on action, for reflective inquiry, for students, for teachers, for design and…

Institutional, national, and global pressures demand that universities address issues of quality in teaching and learning. The maintenance of existing courses and the imperative to offer new courses online necessitates the development of measures and guidelines that can inform instructional designers and academics. A number of quality guidelines…