Clifford Stoll's skeptical look at the computer mania besetting education raises issues about computerization and networking costs, the relationship between accessing information and becoming educated, and the role of human interaction in learning. By placing the computer before the curriculum, are proponents providing the best education possible…

Survey of 47 visiting scholars at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, found that most used computer-mediated communication (CMC) largely for exchanging work-related messages with colleagues, especially at other institutions. Most expressed positive feelings about its benefits, finding enhanced communication with colleagues outside the…

Offers practical advice and encouragement to potential users of PowerPoint who lack confidence and adequate computer skills to begin using this technology in their teaching. Offers suggestions on topics such as size of text, fonts, and use of color. (DDR)

Details the use of computer technology for classroom presentations to students. Includes tips on software, hardware, and monitoring student opinion. (DDR)

Explores the uses of technology, computers in particular, to teach mathematics. Examples are given of the ways technology can help students gather data and test, modify, and reject or accept conjectures as they think about mathematical concepts. Article asserts a restructuring of the mathematics curriculum is necessary to bring this about. (SLD)

Discusses user participation and participatory design in the context of formal education for computing professionals. Topics include the current curriculum debate; mathematical- and engineering-based education; traditional system-development training; and an example of a course program that includes computers and society, and prototyping. (53…

Investigated second graders' ability and motivation to create and manipulate simulations using KidSim software. Found that using KidSim was a motivating experience and the students were able to develop complex simulations. The dominant motivational factors were the freedom to create original characters and the rules to direct them. Other…

Discusses the benefits of dynamic geometry software in helping students learn to write proofs. The software allows students to create simple geometric figures, explore relationships, make conjectures about their properties, and test those conjectures. (AIM)

Presents three problems based on the price of aluminum designed to encourage students to be cooperative and to use an investigative approach to learning. Students collect and synthesize information, analyze results, and draw conclusions. (AIM)

Promotional marketing can deliver significant benefits to colleges and universities willing to modify traditional practices to build awareness and recruit students. Emerging college marketing practices focus on service, rely on friends to disseminate information, maximize technology, simplify the message, and are based on knowledge of the…

Describes LOGO's turtle graphics capabilities based on a sixth-grade classroom's activities with negative numbers and Logo programming. A sidebar explains LOGO and offers suggestions to teachers for using LOGO effectively. (LRW)

Discusses three ways that instructional design theories can change over time: (1) revision via evolution of models to reflect the outcomes that are being achieved with its current use; (2) revision to reflect current understanding of technology; and (3) complete replacement of present theory with another more powerful theory. Describes the…

Technology is necessary but not sufficient for successful distance education. Argues that the two most important ingredients in technological solutions to education are maintaining a steady policy and providing sufficient funds for "systemic" solutions. (PEN)

Describes the use of batch-oriented computing as the basis for reintroducing homework problems as a teaching tool in beginning chemistry instruction. Stems from and expands upon a system used in a university setting that produces, delivers, grades, and keeps records for homework problems. (DDR)

Outlines a course at the University of Glamorgan in the United Kingdom in which a computer algebra system (CAS) teaches mathematical modeling. The format is based on continual assessment of group and individual work stating the problem, a feature list, and formulation of the models. No additional mathematical word processing package is necessary.…