This discussion of assistive technology for children with AIDS considers management in the school setting, functional limitations related to HIV/AIDS, and the use of assistive technology to address HIV/AIDS- related bodily, mental, sensory, and speech and language impairments. (Contains references.) (DB)

This article offers guidelines for planning distance professional development via interactive video for special educators in rural areas. A comprehensive planning checklist is organized into nine tasks. Other suggestions address equipment and interaction tips for receiving sites and setting up the site to encourage inclusion and active…

This article describes five organizational Web sites that are good resources in selecting and using software with children who have special needs. The sites represent the DO-IT project, the Trace Research and Development Center, Special Needs Opportunity Windows, the Family Center on Technology and Disability, and the National Center for…

This column examines issues associated with measuring assistive technology outcomes in writing. Following an introduction to assistive technology and writing, it looks specifically at design, measurement, analysis, and decision making factors in the process of creating an outcomes system for measuring the impact of assistive technology on writing.…

This article presents principles for using Web-based activities to support curriculum accommodations for students with mild disabilities. Tools, resources, and strategies are identified to help teachers construct meaningful and Web-enhanced thematic units. Web sites are listed in the areas of math, science, language arts, and social studies;…

Compares qualitative and quantitative research in terms of features, researcher role, design, data collection strategies, data analysis, and judgment. Offers advice about selecting a method. (SK)

This article highlights ways to access annual child count data on students receiving special education services in various formats in order to enhance professional productivity. Web sites are identified for accessing annual reports to the U.S. Congress, most recent national data, and most recent state data. (CR)

This article describes how students with disabilities can utilize a combination of customized home pages and assistive technology tools to access the World Wide Web. Tips for designing Web pages with specific modifications for students with different disabilities are provided, along with general design guidelines. (Contains seven references.) (CR)

This article describes nine tactics for utilizing technology to manage increasing amounts of information while attempting to discern what information is most pertinent. Specific products are highlighted to provide a glimpse of the potential power and value of these tools for enabling educators to stay apprised of new developments. (Contains one…

A self-study process is outlined for engaging teacher educators in collegial conversations about the effective use of technology in special education teacher preparation. Five discussion topics are outlined: (1) professional standards; (2) current practice snapshots; (3) visions of technology integration; (4) utilizing a technology integration…

The article identifies and describes the various dimensions of tasks in task analysis and cautions against an exclusive focus on content. A distinction between the subtasks of learning to do a task and actually doing it is made and the relationship of task analysis to evaluation and instruction presented. (Author/CL)

The article reviews some recent literature pertaining to development and use of expert systems (automated consulting systems, which provide expert advice within particular domains). The design and implementation of an expert system developed to guide a teacher diagnostician through the various stages of diagnosing reading difficulities are…

The article explains the usefulness of PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) in streamlining exceptional student referral processes. With PERT, realistic time and personnel needs can be established, and the status of every referral can be known at all times. The initial step in PERT breaks the process into small manageable units and…

The article extends previous microcomputer software evaluation forms by providing an evaluation instrument based on research-based instructional techniques, providing a step-by-step approach for evaluating software, and adding a student evaluation component to the overall review. (Author/CL)

The article details major steps in establishing a computerized management information system in a special education organization to carry out such functions as student record monitoring and fiscal control. Steps include (1) the study phase, (2) the gross design phase, (3) the detailed design phase, and (4) the implementation phase.(Author/DB)