This theme issue includes four articles on the effective use of computers and electronic technology in education, and on equitable access to educational technologies for Hispanics and other minority groups. "Teachers and Instructional Technology: Wise or Foolish Choices" (Laura Chris Green) describes three unproductive roles for computer technology--babysitter, entertainer, and drill sergeant--and discusses how computers can help teachers to become architects that integrate learning and muses that inspire creative thinking and active learning. "Assessing Technology's Role in Education: A Vision of the Possible" (Josie Danini Supik) discusses technology's potential to tap the talents and strengths of all children, and to provide anonymous links between persons that are based on common concerns. "Access to Educational Technology: What's Going On?" (Bradley Scott) reports that access to computers is relatively inadequate in schools serving poor and minority children, and describes programs in which improving access in such schools has had positive effects on student achievement. "Parents Networking with Parents: Familias y la Red Electronica" (Aurelio M. Montemayor, Abel Carmona) describes a project to introduce Mexican American parents to computer E-mail in order to improve their participation as first teachers of their children, as educational resources, as educational decision makers, and as trainers of other parents. Includes a list of Internet Web sites devoted to education or community networking, a profile of an ESL adult literacy program using computers and multimedia, an index to IDRA Newsletter for January-December 1995, and a description of the Intercultural Development Research Association's role as a comprehensive technical assistance center. Contains a list of 15 additional resources on technology in education. (SV)