Successful technology integration must focus on standards-based, curriculum-related learning outcomes rather than on the technologies themselves. In the first installment of a seven-part series, we offer a grounded approach to technology integration based on content, pedagogy, and how teachers plan instruction.

Now more than ever, education leaders must focus strategically on educational technology professional development (ETPD) for teachers. Research evidence indicates that 30 hours of focused professional development is required to change teachers' professional practice. So despite positive opinions about the importance and efficacy of educational…

The previous article reviewed the range of educational technology professional development session and program goals. In this article, the second part of four-part series, the author presents and explains educational technology-related professional development (ETPD) models. ETPD models can be classified into five general types of professional…

Educational technology-related professional development (ETPD) can be designed in many different ways. It varies by general purposes and goals, specific learning objectives, curriculum content, the student grade levels for which the strategies and tools presented are appropriate, professional development model(s) used, how it is matched to…

Educational technology-related professional development (ETPD) can be designed in many different ways. ETPD varies by general purposes and goals, specific learning objectives, curriculum content, student grade levels for which the strategies and tools presented are appropriate, professional development models used, how it is matched to…

Discusses how to structure and design learning activities that are student-centered. Considers how to teach for understanding, especially with online tools and resources; describes specific activity structures categorized by genre and learning processes; and gives examples of curriculum-based student-centered projects that use the Internet. (LRW)

Describes telecollaborative activities as educational endeavors that involve people in different locations using Internet tools and resources to work together. Topics include curriculum-based telecollaboration that has been designed by teachers; educational benefits; Web sites with telecollaborative activities; and criteria for choosing…

Discussion of the use of telecommunications for curriculum development focuses on activity structures which can be used as instructional design tools. Rather than replicating lesson plans or other ideas from the Internet, activity structures encourage the creation of individualized, context-appropriate environments for learning. (LRW)

Discusses telecollaboration (working with others at a distance) or teleresearch (finding and using information from distantly located data sources - most commonly online). Suggests guides to help teachers design activities incorporating online research for K-12: to practice information-seeking skills, answer questions, review multiple perspectives…

Discusses how an experienced educator's Web site recommendations can help learners use the World Wide Web in ways bookmarks alone cannot. Highlights include browser-based and page-based annotations; examples; useful information to include (title or topic, operating instructions, description, special site features, cautions, and helpful…

Understanding research on innovation diffusion can help technology leaders in schools develop strategies to encourage the support and adoption of technological innovation. Discusses Everett M. Rogers' research on innovation diffusion, considers social systems and innovation, and describes group size and traits of innovators, early adopters, early…

Discusses netiquette, or rules of etiquette when using computer networks, for online communications such as electronic mail and public online forums. Print and online sources for netiquette are given, and examples of poor communication are included. (LRW)

Describes the Electronic Emissary Project, an Internet-based interpersonal resource coordinated from the University of Texas at Austin, which matches students and teachers via e-mail with subject experts from around the world. Presents sample projects, and discusses challenges, the role of the online facilitator, and guidelines for implementing…

Describes the Internet-based Electronic Emissary Project that helps teachers locate other Internet account holders who are subject matter experts in different disciplines for the purpose of setting up curriculum-based electronic exchanges among experts and elementary and secondary students and teachers. (Author/LRW)

Presents five plans to assist students in information seeking on the Internet and provides examples of activities. Highlights include practicing search skills, learning about a topic of inquiry and/or question answering, reviewing multiple perspectives on an issue, solving authentic problems, and publishing synthesized and/or critiqued information…