Suggests loaning older computers, including Macintoshes, to student teachers so they would have e-mail available for feedback from college supervisors. Other possible computer uses include dialogs with other student teachers via the Internet, and dialogs between student teachers, cooperating teacher, and college supervisor. (LRW)

Explores a new educational application of Piaget's theories of cognitive development: the use, as a teaching tool, of physical robots conceived as artificial organisms. Reviews educational projects using real robots. Shows that the use of intelligent systems to enlarge the view of biological reality could become an integral part of curricula in…

Recent research indicates that computers can raise student achievement, but when used the wrong way, they can do more harm than good. The educational benefits of computers are greatest when they are used in sophisticated ways. Any professional development with computers leads to gains in student achievement. Most schools are not using computers in…

Argues that integration of computer experiences into a visual communications course and a computerized publications design course engages students' higher cognitive skills. Describes a unit on informational graphics, and uses three theoretical perspectives (cognitive apprenticeship, seven principles of good practice, and Bloom's taxonomy) to…

Describes an educational software program for the study of and detection methods for the cosmic ray muons passing through several light transparent materials (i.e., water, air, etc.). Simulates muons and Cherenkov photons' paths and interactions and visualizes/animates them on the computer screen using Monte Carlo methods/techniques which employ…

Discusses the nature of light and its relationship to color, particularly two models of color production: the additive and subtractive models. Explains the importance of these models for understanding how computers and printers generate colors. Argues that it is important to understand these processes given the prevalence of computers in art. (DSK)

Observes secondary school students' use of computers for learning. Identifies limited use of computers for learning by students, dependency of students on teachers for integration, and constraints of teachers on students in terms of teachers' difficulties and attitudes toward computers. Discusses implications for planning and implementing computer…

Critiques the commonly accepted view that human minds and computers are computational systems. Debunks claims that the human mind is a computational system and argues that the claims are not scientifically supportable. (DDR)

Proposes a strategy for using technology in preparing students for democratic citizenship by using it to reallocate limited classroom time. Argues that the strategy also multiplies students' opportunities to participate in thoughtful activities and discussion, to gain exposure to the views of peers, and to challenge and defend their ideas. (DSK)

In 1995, the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) reported that substantial numbers of teachers report little or no use of computers for instruction. This paper discusses technology education for preservice teachers at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, examining changes the school has made in technology training for…

Offers the opinions of faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching associates on the use of electronic technology in the teaching of English. Suggests that most faculty members are receptive to considering new ways of enhancing teaching, and that the faculty needs training for this new responsibility. (CR)

Depicts technology (both computers and television) as a new presence in the classroom. Calls for not simply replacing older teaching methods, but designing a new paradigm that utilizes computer assisted instruction as the basis for an "interactive multiplicity" of learning techniques. (SJL)

Discusses a few of the causes for less-than-optimum educational uses of the Internet. Highlights include problems with state-level plans; the fear of pornography and Web censorship; the location of computers in computer labs; unrealistic overvaluing of standardized tests; and the current poor quality of Web pages. (LRW)

Describes the development of an online self-assessment of students' technology skills based on a summer program for middle school students. Explains how the course design was based on feedback from a student survey that indicated a need to learn PowerPoint and Web-page-design skills rather than word-processing skills. (LRW)

Outlines evaluative questions about technology use in education in the following categories: summative questions about results; whether the investment helps disadvantaged students; how technology use affects total costs and costs per student; and whether technology improves practice. (SK)