Written by a father of a child with autism, this article discusses the child's symptoms, the diagnosis of autism, and the child's behavior problems. It describes the use of different types of computer software that has enabled the child to experience a series of cognitive jumps. (CR)

Provides an introduction to this special issue on distance education and e-learning. Several questions related to these topics are presented, and the articles contained in the issue are summarized. (MES)

Introduces the Soda Bottle City project which meets Content Standard C of the National Science Education Standards. Involves design and construction of the city with appropriate energy sources. (YDS)

Discusses the increasing importance of technology in teaching, especially for following current events. Describes uses of technology in a class in lieu of a textbook. Makes suggestions for applicability of the method to colleges and high schools. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Discusses a three-step process for teaching sixth grade students to connect current events to a perennial issue using the Internet. Proposes selecting and collecting information on a current event; producing an editorial and political cartoon on the event; and publishing the work online and in a local newspaper. Includes a sample activity. (CMK)

Presents suggestions for content-rich classroom encyclopedias on CO-ROM and DVD, including: the Encarta Reference Suite 2001; the 2001 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, School Edition; the Britannica 2001 DVD; and the World Book 2001 Deluxe Edition, v5.0. (SM)

Investigates the status of music technology in Illinois public schools (K-12) using a questionnaire. Focuses on (1) the perceived training needs of teachers, (2) ways teachers and students use technology, (3) access to music technology, (4) types of software and hardware, and (5) sources of funding. Addresses the implications. (CMK)

Describes the Guilford County School (North Carolina) system's use of computer networks and the Internet in K-12 education. Distance learning was the first component of their program, enabling the school system to equitably provide opportunities for high school students. Other efforts involve building a wide area network with access to the…

Enumerates the challenges of adopting information technology (IT)-based teaching and learning strategies in higher education. Concerns addressed include whether IT should supplant rather than augment traditional teaching methods, the financing of IT acquisition, change of teaching and learning processes to increase productivity per person, and…

Educational technology should be a tool used for learning but should not become more important than the learning itself. Six criteria for the effective classroom use of technology include determining whether the technology offers an invitation to learn, decentralization of authority, flexibility, access to knowledge, time to explore and use…

Provides advice and suggestions for educators or parents who are trying to decide what type of computer to buy to run the latest computer software for children. Suggests that purchasers should buy a computer with as large a hard drive as possible, at least 10 megabytes of RAM, and a CD-ROM drive. (MDM)

Alerts educators to potentially objectionable Internet materials. Electronic mail, newsgroups, file transfer protocol sites, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Multiuser Dungeons (MUDs), and Multiuser Object Oriented (MOOs) are services whose user anonymity can embolden discussions regarding sex, prejudice, religious dogma, and gambling. Teachers may wish…

By employing a new system perspective, the uses of technology in three school districts are examined. Problems with lack of equipment, professional development, and funding in New York City and San Diego (CA) schools are discussed. The experiences of the Iowa City School District illustrate that growth of the human and work-process infrastructure…

The Internet offers high schools access to a variety of up-to-date information on any subject and the ability to communicate worldwide. Discussion includes electronic mail; Telnet, Gopher, and Veronica; the World Wide Web; types of Internet connections; and problems with Internet use. (AEF)

Surveyed service providers from 31 states and the District of Columbia concerning demographics and their training and knowledge of assistive technology, perceived responsibility for computer access and training, and assessment of computer accessibility on their campuses. Implications of the results for service providers, students with…