Introduces an issue on information technology in teacher education, describing: the journal's collaborative team of editors; how the journal's papers are processed; and how to increase quality in the maturing field of new technologies in teacher education. Two appendixes present notes for referees and guidelines for contributors to the journal.…

Describes the development of the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Educational Research Forum (ERF), which aims to fulfill some of the needs of the education profession to engage with research in the field of ICT, focusing on the ERF design principles; ERF web site content and structure; evaluation and research of the ERF; and future…

Determines whether the integration of reading and computers will improve ESL (English as a second language) students' reading skills. Discusses creation of a new computer applications class for ESL students at an urban schools in the Northwest United States. Notes dramatic improvement with ESL students with limited English skills. (SC)

Suggests the learning curve of a multi-user, object-oriented domain (MOO) blockades effective use. Discusses use of an IBM/PC-compatible interface that allows developers to modify the interface to provide a sense of presence for the user. Concludes that work in programming a variety of interfaces has led to a more intuitive environment for…

The .edu domain was originally intended for use by all educational levels. Since 1993, however, .edu names have been technically reserved for four-year institutions of higher education, leaving .us, .org or .net domains for two-year colleges. Nevertheless, 20% of 400 .edu names currently held by community colleges have been awarded since 1993.…

Describes Western Iowa Tech Community College's (WITCC) strategies to weave technology into its instruction and student-support functions. Describes a five-year initiative, launched to strengthen instructional and student-service programs through technological means. Through collaboration with PLATO Learning and Datatel, WITCC has demonstrated…

Introduces the Meteor Scatter Project (MSP) in which high school students build an automated meteor observatory and learn to monitor meteor activity. Involves students in activities such as radio frequency survey, antenna design, antenna construction, manual meteor counts, and computer board configuration and installation. (YDS)

Discusses educational computer advertising developed by information and communications technology (ICT) firms in the United Kingdom, arguing that such advertisements present a disempowering view of teachers, which may well impact teacher use of instructional technology. The paper highlights four dominant themes: ICT as problematic and problem…

A partnership between local community, business, and education leaders and the Santa Barbara County Education Office spawned Computers for Families--a program putting computers in needy families' homes. Adjudicated youth at a residential boys' camp gain vocational skills when refurbishing donated computers for families' use. (MLH)

Examined the positive and negative aspects of using computers to teach writing within a context of intensive teacher and peer feedback and support for fifth- and sixth- year Montessori students. Found that technology enhanced the writing process for creative, collaborative work and for peer response and editing. (KB)

Points out the inadequacy of visual information such as writing on a blackboard or using an overhead projector as the ability to develop an understanding of dynamic processes among students. Recommends using short animations that can be viewed on the World Wide Web. Describes how to make a GIF animation. (YDS)

It is difficult to incorporate long term studies such as ecology into classroom settings. Discusses how to reach and download research center data available on the web. Recommends Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites for downloading and interpreting data. Explains the downloading procedure using a Netscape browser, and uses Excel and Lotus…

Summarizes recent ERIC citations that discuss the uses of computers in elementary and early childhood education and their effects on children's learning and development. Includes annotations of documents and journal articles related to early literacy, integrating technology into the curriculum, cooperative learning, CD-ROM storybook programs,…

Describes how thoughtful, creative technology use in the classroom can encourage development in diverse students, explaining that the key to effective computer use within culturally diverse classrooms remains with the teacher. The paper discusses how to understand diversity and reach out to all students; describes how technology can enhance…

Highlights key points from national reports addressing contemporary perspectives on learning theory, K-12 educational technology, educational theory development, and educational research policy, using illustrations from GenScope, an open-ended exploratory software tool that lets students investigate various phenomena in genetics. Illustrations…