Discussion of emerging educational technologies focuses on a case study of college students that was conducted to observe the effects of using computer-mediated communication and appropriate groupware as a teaching tool. Highlights include effects on the students, the structure of the classroom, and interpersonal interactions. (Contains 29…

Describes a study that investigated the activities of engineering students working on a collaborative design project in a distributed multimedia environment. Topics discussed include learning as a social process; face-to-face and video communication; problem-solving techniques; use of interactive media; the construction of knowledge; and group…

Explains the concept of a computerized simulated student as a model of human learning and explores three areas of application: for teachers, for students, and for instructional designers during formative evaluation. Technical limitations, existing prototype systems, and possible future systems are discussed for each area. (Contains 85 references.)…

Describes QMaPS (Qualitative Matching and Prediction system for Simulations), a qualitative reasoning system designed to function as a module in exploratory simulation learning environments. Highlights include a hierarchical organization of variables; multilevel relation typology; modeling of physical and conceptual domain structures; an…

Describes a model for negotiation based on an analysis of teaching-learning dialogues. Topics discussed include the concept of negotiation in research; the relevance of dialogue analysis and modeling for artificial intelligence research; multidisciplinary perspectives; negotiation processes; communicative acts in negotiations; and theoretical…

Examines the belief that teaching is not merely a job but a calling, analyzing survey and interview data from 527 preservice teachers. Compared to other preservice teachers, those who felt a calling displayed significantly more enthusiasm, commitment to teaching, and willingness to accept sacrifices and extra duties. (SM)

Study examined the impact of method on speech ratings of classroom teachers by concurrently testing reliability and validity for the analytic and holistic methods, holding the variables of raters and speeches constant. Student speeches were videotaped and scored. Both methods produced similar and acceptable levels of reliability and concurrent…

Reports a study that examined the bureaucratic and professional orientations of secondary teachers as predictors of conflict and militancy. Survey results indicated militancy positively related to conflict and a professional orientation but negatively related to a bureaucratic perspective. Militancy seemed a natural outgrowth of a professional…

Preservice teachers worked in groups containing diverse personalities and participated in laboratory experiences that applied classroom knowledge. Surveys indicated students considered the laboratory activities more valuable and influential than field experiences in many ways. The most diverse cohorts reported stronger, more positive feelings…

Reviews literature on the impact of language, culture, and attitude on mathematics and science learning, surveying current pedagogical approaches aimed at promoting and supporting academic competence. Includes discussions of knowledge structures, graphics, strategies, writing as a learning tool, an integrated curriculum, and community involvement…

Reports a study that investigated teacher, principal, and superintendent perceptions regarding teachers' ability to evaluate principals' performance on seven effective school leadership dimensions. Results from the Teacher Evaluation of Principals Survey indicated there was a shift in attitude by administrators toward favoring teacher evaluation…

Seven preservice teachers were recorded on audiotape and videotape while presenting in the classroom, then rated using the Classroom Procedures Evaluation Form and an adjective checklist. Results indicated that, when composite measures were correlated, evaluations of teaching under audio and video conditions yielded somewhat similar results. (SM)

Six articles in this feature section emphasize the value of African dance in all levels of education. The articles address aspects of African dance ranging from its historical and philosophical underpinnings to applications from the elementary to the college level. (SM)

The article discusses mainstreaming of students with HIV/AIDS into physical education classes, describing HIV/AIDS conditions and presenting facts about prevalence, concerns related to the preschool and school-aged population, risks associated with the gym, safety precautions, and issues of confidentiality. (SM)

Although there have been no documented cases of HIV transmission during athletic competition, the possibility exists. The use of universal precaution procedures reduces risk of HIV transmission. Athletic coaches and physical educators need training about such universal precautions to ensure student and staff safety. The article describes the…