The children from immigrant families in the United States make up a historically diverse population, and they are demonstrating just as much diversity in their experiences in the K-12 educational system. Robert Crosnoe and Ruth Lopez Turley summarize these K-12 patterns, paying special attention to differences in academic functioning across…

Examines how computer use affects children's development, disparities between rich and poor, and how computers enhance learning, noting risks and benefits. Recommendations to improve computer access and use at home and school include: researchers must study the effects of extended computer use on child development, and parents should limit the…

Places current research on children and computers in historical context with earlier research on the mass media, noting recurrent patterns in 20th century media research. Concludes that to inform and sustain the creation of more quality content for children, further research is needed on the effects of media on children, with new partnerships…

Analyzes national survey data on children's differential access to computers at home and school, noting varying conditions that affect how children experience computers. In 1998, over 75 percent of children had access to computers at school, though computer experiences differed by socioeconomic status. Poorer students had significantly less access…

Explores how computer technology can help improve how and what children learn in school. Highlights several ways technology can enhance how children learn by supporting four fundamental characteristics of learning (active engagement, group participation, frequent interaction and feedback, and connections to real-world contexts). Additional…

Reviews the role of computer technology in promoting the education of children with special needs within regular classrooms, discussing: technologies for students with mild learning and behavioral disorders, speech and language disorders, hearing impairments, visual impairments, and severe physical disabilities. Examines barriers to effective…

Research on the effects of home computer use on children's development indicates that: computer access increases total time spent with the television or computer rather than other activities; computer games can build computer literacy; home computer use slightly increases academic performance; increased Internet use may increase loneliness and…

Describes technological, demographic, and market forces shaping the new digital media culture and the various Web sites being created for children and teens, explaining how heavily-promoted commercial sites overshadow educational sites. Discusses efforts to create safe Internet zones for children. Recommends actions to promote development of a…

Five experts from various disciplines provide their perspectives on the role of computers in children's lives, discussing ways to ensure that computer technology is used equitably, effectively, and ethically to promote positive child development. Suggestions include training teachers, parents, and caregivers; developing new online content; viewing…

Describes new federal programs designed to support access to educational technology for all children. Programs relate to: school and library access; community access; distance learning; professional development; capacity building; innovation; research; and technical assistance. The programs tend to focus on teachers and involve cooperation between…

Surveyed Internet-using children about their experiences with and perceptions of computer technology. Respondents valued the role of computers in their lives for entertainment, accomplishing goals, and becoming competent and empowered. They believed computers and the Internet improved their lives. Most children had computers at school, but nearly…

Describes the cohort of children who were between 5 and 14 years of age in the 1990s and compares them with their counterparts earlier in the century. Reports their numbers, overall and by racial and ethnic heritage, describes characteristics of their parents, and the time they spend in school. Considers effects of these trends on public…

Draws on quotes and ethnographic material from many studies to illustrate some of the parenting strategies that help inner-city African American youth overcome risks and achieve success. Groups strategies that are: (1) youth-monitoring; (2) resource-seeking; and (3) in-home learning. (SLD)

Discusses adequacy and equity in school finance and efficiency in school operation, and recommends ways to improve all three. The ultimate responsibility lies at the state level. State policies and financing mechanisms must hold educators accountable while addressing challenges that are especially great for schools in high-poverty areas or for…

Analyzes the increases in per-pupil expenditures in elementary and secondary education since World War II and discusses factors contributing to the increase. A significant cause is the 86% inflation-adjusted increase in teacher salaries between 1949-50 and 1971-72, although teacher salaries have increased little since that time. (SLD)