Reports a study that examined the impact of an introductory college computer course on users' subsequent preferences in their choice of computer (IBM versus Macintosh). Surveys found a strong positive relationship between the type of computer students used in the course and their later use and purchasing preferences. (SM)

Many preservice computer courses do not provide students with certain important skills. Such skills are best developed through instructional programs in teacher education that mirror the models that teachers will be using in their own classrooms. The information technology component within teacher education is an integral part of the program. (SM)

Teachers are increasingly expected to employ integrated technology practices in their classrooms to help their students, but they rarely have training on how to use such practices. The article discusses the need to get integrated technology practice into preservice and inservice teacher education, especially reading and language arts. (Author/SM)

This study examined circumstances leading teachers to incorporate telecommunications into practice. Case studies of teachers involved in a telecommunications project (three participants and three nonparticipants) indicated that those who integrated telecommunications into teaching valued the use of an interactive learning network and had figured…

To produce culturally and technologically competent teachers, preservice education must define such competencies. The paper examines the interaction of culture, learning, and classroom environment as it affects the use of computers in diverse classrooms. Examples of cultural differences in learning preferences and the effect of educational…

The paper examines how the Internet can be used to improve secondary science instruction, focusing on Internet learning strategies and discussing why preservice teachers should be taught to use the Internet. Four preservice teacher education classes that teach about using Internet to educate students are described. (SM)

This Louisiana System for Teaching and Learning Assessment and Review (STAR) illustrates conceptual, methodological, and social/political issues emerging when the decision-making model used to make teacher certification decisions does not fit the assumptions of the measurement system used to collect the data. (SLD)

Differences in the Texas Teacher Appraisal System scores of teacher subgroups over 2 years were examined for 2,366 teachers for scores on individual domains, sums of scores of the 1st 4 domains, and overall summary performance scores, as well as appraiser differences. Implications for teacher evaluation are discussed. (SLD)

A conceptual frame is offered for the investigation of issues related to teacher participation in educational governance and teacher evaluation. In a restructured school system both teachers and schools would seek evaluation, not in response to demands for accountability, but as a step toward performance improvement. (SLD)

Three strands of practice and theory--adult learning, women's development, and feminist pedagogy--contribute to development of a learning environment attuned to women's needs. Instead of concentrating on information storage/retrieval, alternative education should focus on requiring fourth-level consciousness: ability to choose how, whether, and…

Reflective journal writing helps individuals garner information about themselves and construct larger meanings. Techniques include freewriting; list making; describing one-minute in-depth, writing dialogues; and envisioning the future. (SK)

Self-assessment leads to greater awareness of the methods one uses to make meaning. It enhances responsibility, self-direction, shifts in perception, and self-questioning. (SK)

When assessment of prior learning is used to teach self-reflection, it encourages developmental growth. Techniques that support development include goals statements, autobiographies, and experiential learning essays. (SK)

Exposure to models and theories about adult development gives learners structure and language they can apply to their own experiences. Responses of 65 women in a development course brought out 6 themes: knowing oneself, accepting oneself, connecting with others, changing perspectives, empowering oneself, and seeking growth and development. (SK)

Development of women outside the mainstream is affected by their social roles and cultural reality. Strategies to aid their development include examining counterproductive assumptions; creating a secure environment; modeling intellectual or linguistic behavior; teaching critical thinking; and being sensitive to the challenges of group work in a…