Describes the components of Singapore's Masterplan for Information Technology (IT) in Education, which lays out a comprehensive strategy for creating an IT-based teaching and learning environment in every school. Discusses the impact on childhood learning and on the teaching staff, highlighting the experience of one of the demonstration schools as…

Describes the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Finnish early childhood environments from three perspectives. Examines Finnish national policies on the use of ICT; indicates the prevailing state of ICT use, according to results of international and national surveys; and presents some innovative practices involving the use…

Drawing on the experience of two first-year classrooms in Melbourne, Australia, this article explores numeracy learning within an information and communication technology (ICT) environment. Included are examples of how mathematical skills can be promoted and learned in such a way that children can extend their use to practical, problem-solving…

Chronicles the experiences of teachers and elementary students from the United States and Costa Rica as they participated in a videoconferencing project, initiated by Costa Rican students and made possible by CATE, Center for Applied Technologies in Education. Notes that the distance learning experience enhanced academic, technological and…

Explores issues related to the use of technology in Indian schools, drawing on information from a variety of sources, such as interviews with parents and teachers, school visits, government information, and magazine and journal articles. Examines India's cultural and educational environments; diversity of parents' and educators' attitudes about…

Contends that the American education system needs to abandon the current trend toward holding, sorting, and indoctrinating students to be workers and consumers, an inherently antidemocratic education model. Suggests that education's highest priority should be education for active citizenry in a democratic society. Presents and analyzes John…

Describes the purpose and structure of this theme issue, which draws on articles from countries where democracy has existed for some time and from countries new to democracy, focusing on culturally relevant applications. Summarizes each of the eight separate articles. Concludes by focusing on educators' responsibility to support and nurture future…

Describes the process of introducing interactive pedagogy in countries making the transition to democracy through education reform. Recounts authors' experiences as facilitators and learners during an international teacher education seminar. Focuses on the Step by Step higher education initiative, philosophy of education, orienting adult learners…

Presents a translator's view of an international seminar in the country of Georgia that focused on creating a democratic community of learners (see p340-43, PS534652, in this issue). Discusses perspectives on interactions and tensions among participants. Similarly, delineates personal and professional experiences gained at the seminar. (SD)

Highlights the challenges faced by a teacher educator from the country of Georgia during implementation of the Step by Step and the Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking initiatives. Addresses both the difficulty and the promise of changing traditional institutional culture in Georgia that dates from the Soviet era. (SD)

Highlights challenges, barriers, and successes faced by a teacher educator from the country of Montenegro during implementation of the Step by Step (SBS) program. Presents comparative information about traditional and reformed educational practices in Montenegro. Discusses the pedagogical implications of SBS implementation, and the importance of…

Assessed the challenges faced by teacher educators from Slovenia and Ukraine as they implemented the Step by Step (SBS) initiative. Gathered information from Master Teacher Trainers about participation in educating preschool and primary children in a SBS program. Garnered important information concerning progress toward a more democratic approach…

Highlights recent early childhood and community development work in rural Kenyan communities. Presents: (1) a brief history and overview of early childhood care and education; (2) examples from the Mwana Mwende community development project; (3) ways in which early childhood development has mobilized the community; and (4) examples of increasing…

Focus interviews were conducted to assess young children's views about their national identity. Findings indicate that children are aware of social, racial, and cultural differences, but little discussion exists of how this may affect their relationships with others or willingness to engage in civic processes. Responses suggest that children are…

Discusses the challenge of providing preservice teachers with the knowledge and skills needed for effective participation in a democratic society. Focuses on the importance of understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens living in a democracy. Emphasizes citizenship for a democracy, dimensions of effective classroom management and…