This is the third in a series of reports which the PLATO Services Organization is publishing to keep users up to date on curricular developments on the PLATO system. Materials are listed here under 71 general subject matter areas. The report presents first a list of all subject areas and instructional levels in which PLATO lesson development is in…

In many areas of higher education there is a growing trend away from the traditional demonstration-lecture-discussion format of instruction toward a participative, experiential approach to teaching. This is particularly evident in the field of psychology. In conducting an undergraduate course in the psychology of personal adjustment, if one views…

The development of the student as person and as group or community member became a major theme of educational innovation during the 1960s. Previously, most educators had sought to make a sharp distinction between intellectual and personal/social development, assigning the first to the schools, the latter to home and community. This distinction has…

This booklet is part of the "Getting to Grips with..." series, which is intended for the general reader who wants to understand important trends in vocational education and training. It is designed to provide the reader with an understanding of the concept of key technologies, to describe the potential importance that this way of…

The guide presents strategies for the dissemination of promising vocational education practices into local school districts. The first of four chapters discusses five commonly encountered questions which arise when new practices are considered. For example, the question, "How can I identify worthwhile practices for my school?" is…

Interactive courseware applications are becoming more prevalent as instructional tools in the communication classroom. Prometheus, developed by George Washington University, allows instructors to post syllabi, course outlines, lecture notes, and tests online, in addition to giving students access to discussions and chat sessions. Other popular…

This description of computer-based courseware for a beginning reading curriculum developed by the PLATO Elementary Reading Project indicates the philosophical approach to lesson development and describes the interactive capabilities of the system, as well as the types of visual displays, routines for data collection by teachers, and uses of the…

A manual in newspaper format, this is a portfolio/resume of a non-profit group's activities in making places and things for children. It includes stories of projects, experiences with children, ideas to share, the history of the group, and useful information about creating furniture, toys, and textured interiors and environments that encourage the…

Describes the technology-rich American School in Tokyo, Japan, its equipment, and ways students are using the school's technology. Notes three lessons learned from working in a high-tech environment: (1) teachers must be enthusiastic about technology; (2) they must create a plan that copes with constant change; and (3) they must invest in computer…

This article focuses on proposed reforms for the continuing professional development stage of the teacher preparation continuum. It includes information on performance standards practicing special educators will need to address, proposed changes in licensure and certification, and proposed reforms in continuing professional development…

This Personalized Activity Kit is concerned with managing change in the schools. A six-stage procedure for managing change is outlined--building a trust relationship between the client and the agent of change, diagnosing the problem, acquiring relevant resources, choosing the solution, gaining acceptance, and stabilizing the innovation and…

Offered as a guide for parents, community members, school boards, and administrators, as well as teachers, this book suggests that elementary reading and writing ability is not sufficient preparation for today's world and that literacy instruction cannot be improved without a drastic alteration in the methods most schools employ. Part one…

One of 15 core modules in a 22-module series designed to train vocational education curriculum specialists (VECS), this guide is intended for use by both instructor and student in a variety of education environments, including independent study, team teaching, seminars, and workshops, as well as in more conventional classroom settings. The guide…

On completion of this unit, one should be capable of performing each of the following unit objectives: describe individual differences among students; define individualized instruction, list modes of individualization, and present a general instructional model of individualization; justify student self-direction as a learning goal and as a…

This first module in the "Mathematics Methods and Materials" cluster for preservice elementary teachers is designed to help the intern teacher consider different ways of teaching and of learning mathematics. The rationale for the module is provided, followed by lists of objectives, instructional activities for the intern to complete, and…