Describes a study that was conducted to identify large regional public school districts' funding patterns for technology, hardware, and professional development, as well as educators' interest and confidence levels regarding the use of hardware, software, and telecommunications. Suggests that a paradigm shift is needed in investment from hardware…

Describes a study at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) that measured self-efficacy for computer use of teacher education students at the beginning of their course and again following a semester in which some students had completed computer courses. The amount of time spent using computers contributed most to the variance in…

This research uses comparative case methodology to examine the teacher development programs of two different organizations: a private computer company and a public school district. Both programs are considered effective when judged by participants' evaluations, gain in skills, and plans for classroom technology use; differences appear regarding…

Explains the development of a taxonomy of learner types in order to conduct an analysis of an introductory multimedia production course for preservice instructional design professionals. Discusses the value of having a general description of people entering a media production course that helps instructors identify their audience. (Author/LRW)

Shows how the instructional design process can assist in developing a Web-based distance teacher education course, based on the development of a Web-based course for teachers of language minority learners. Topics include audience needs analysis, establishing instructional goals, and formative evaluation and revision. (Author/LRW)

Describes a university-school partnership that was established for instructional technology graduate students to act as mentors to elementary school teachers in a rural school in Ohio. Discusses the values of mentoring; the need for flexibility; the use of technology; and collaborative learning. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined current attitudes and knowledge of preservice teachers towards assistive technology and to develop, implement, and evaluate a mini-workshop on assistive technology to better prepare regular classroom teachers for the inclusive classroom. Compares results of pre- and post-survey results. (Author/LRW)

Explains Web Crossing, an Internet/intranet server application offering online conferencing solutions through discussion forums and chat rooms, that provided a context for the interaction of graduate and undergraduate students conducting educational research. Discusses knowledge acquisition, the metaphor of participation, and the impact of a…

Discussion of the focus on technology in teacher preparation programs highlights the interactive effects of learning about computer technologies on learning to teach. Describes a study that examined how individual students' beliefs about teaching and learning influence, change, mediate, and transform their understandings of the role of computers…

Reports accomplishments of teachers who overcame obstacles to create innovative learning opportunities using electronic technologies. Summarizes findings of a research project conducted by Department of Defense Education Activity schools with teachers who worked in small teams to plan, implement, and evaluate innovative practices and used Vanguard…

Describes a program in which prospective secondary mathematics teachers develop hypermedia stacks to demonstrate their understanding of important principles of mathematics, teaching, and learning. Discusses cooperative learning in small groups in methods courses and describes students' portfolios created during student teaching. (Author/LRW)

Evaluates a socio-constructivist hybrid model for training K-12 teachers in Brazil in the use of informatics in education. Highlights include a combination of face-to-face exchanges and a Web-based distance approach; comparisons between this model and traditional models; a cost effectiveness analysis; and recommendations for future research.…

Describes a study that investigated the integration of distance education technologies into a preservice teachers' science methodology course. Highlights include a theoretical framework; effects of prior technology courses; effects of participation on student attitudes regarding the use of distance education technology; and correlations between…

Describes a study that provided preservice teachers with laptop computers to use in a yearlong fieldwork experience in an elementary school. Topics include results of participant observations and interviews that investigated how preservice teachers used the laptops and the impact of their use; developing electronic portfolios with pupils; and…

Describes projects in a teacher education program that involved two courses, one an introduction to the role of literature in teaching elementary school language arts, and the other an introduction to educational technology. Focuses on creating an interest in poetry, using poetic forms, and how students can use technology to explore poetry.…