A decade ago, before the tech boom collapsed and the digital economy bubble burst, it seemed to some that issues surrounding information technology (IT) might be central to the politics of the early 21st century. But after September 11, 2001, with so much else on everyone's minds, "digital politics" seemed a boring sideshow. Technocrats,…

In this article, the author, as a technology director for East Rock Magnet School in New Haven, Connecticut, a federal government test site for laptop learning, shares his secrets to a successful implementation of a wireless laptop program: (1) Build a wireless foundation; (2) Do not choose the cheapest model just because of budget; (3) A sturdy…

The North Dakota University System (NDUS) is composed of two doctoral universities, two master's degree-granting universities, two universities that offer bachelor's degrees and five community colleges that offer associate and trade/technical degrees. Each institution is unique in its mission to serve the people of North Dakota. The "2009…

The "Local Technology Plan Guidelines" serve as the basis for the Department's annual technology data collection. This report takes a look at the data submitted by 344 school districts, examining the progress Massachusetts school districts are making in meeting the recommended guidelines. In doing so, it will gauge the degree to which…

More districts are turning to one-to-one computing, which puts a laptop in the hands of every student. This ambitious undertaking can bring challenges when it comes to training teachers how to use the technology--and how to teach students to use it. In 2005, Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Oregon, provided Apple laptops for 300 middle…

Contends that teacher educators play a crucial role in preparing preservice and inservice teachers to teach literacy to students from a range of backgrounds. Discusses diversity issues in literacies, such as equal access to technology. Provides three examples which reflect different levels of connection between teachers' understandings of…

This guide presents ideas about how communities can help low-income residents gain access to and learn how to use computers and the Internet. It discuses the efforts of Making Connections, a longitudinal project designed to strengthen families and neighborhoods. The introduction explains that residents in neighborhoods nationwide are learning to…

The paper briefly discusses the design of computers to allow their use by the 20% of the American population who have reduced abilities in such areas as manipulation, vision, hearing, and cognition. The role of manufacturers of standard computers in increasing computer accessibility is one of providing computers that can be used by an increasing…

Addresses principles of library budgeting and applies them to planning for library computerized services. Ways of anticipating costs and dealing with hidden costs are described. Further discussion focuses on computer upgrades and levels of computer access. Ground rules for coping with budget planning are outlined. (Contains seven references.) (KRN)

In light of the compliance requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this article explains adaptive computing technology and its use in the design of a new implementation of ORION, the online information system at the University of California Los Angeles. Addresses, both postal and electronic when possible, are provided for several…

One of nine brief guides for special educators on using computer technology, this guide focuses on access including adaptations in input devices, output devices, and computer interfaces. Low technology devices include "no-technology" devices (usually modifications to existing devices), simple switches, and multiple switches. High…

The immense changes wrought by the Internet pose many questions and dilemmas for today's librarians. The author's take on the Internet is one of an ever-evolving beast. The six chapters of this book take the reader from mastering the nature of the beast--including a discussion of online searching pitfalls and other more general hazards--to the…

This brief paper considers the application of "universal design" principles to Web page design in order to increase accessibility for people with disabilities. Suggestions are based on the World Wide Web Consortium's accessibility initiative, which has proposed guidelines for all Web authors and federal government standards. Seven guidelines for…

Communities have a wealth of technology resources and history on which to draw in thinking about and using technology in ways that support their values and goals. The technology connections that exist in a community may not be obvious, however. The activities presented in this guide are designed to help identify some of those connections and…

Examines the varied factors involved in providing Internet access in K-12 education, including expense, computer installation and maintenance, and security, and explores how the network computer could be useful in this context. Operating systems and servers are discussed. (MSE)