When we planned the editorial calendar with the topic ubiquitous computing, we were thinking of ubiquitous computing as the one-to-one ratio of computers to students and teachers and 24/7 access to electronic resources. At the time, we were aware that ubiquitous computing in the computer science field had more to do with wearable computers. Our…

Discusses problems with the current Internet and describes new Internet developments. Topics include Internet2, which is being developed for innovative high performance computing applications for member universities and corporate affiliates; the Next Generation Internet (NGI); the role of the NSF (National Science Foundation); and quality of…

Explores technology planning possibilities via interviews with a district-level technology director, a state instructional technology director, and a state administrative technology director. Schools' biggest planning challenges are funding, professional development, and technology integration. The Web browser is becoming a "universal…

This paper reviews the efforts of the Idaho Council for Technology in Learning to provide consistent and thorough standards for planning for educational technology, presents keys for meeting those standards, and offers suggestions for using these keys to successfully implement and account for planned technology use in the curriculum. The planning…

Discusses school districts' technology plans and the need to look beyond funding for hardware to address more pertinent issues such as integrating technology use into subject and grade-level proficiencies, staff-development programs for technology, technical support, considering technology proficiencies when evaluating teachers, and restructuring…

To witness greater success with technology, educators should begin their planning with a set of assumptions that consider staff fears and frustrations. Staff's personal needs include control, creativity, caring, challenge, and commitment. Professional needs include empowerment, time, assistance, leadership, communication, and opportunity. (MLH)

This paper examines and illustrates pre-planning strategies for online learning programs that utilize course and learning management systems (CMSs and LMSs) and looks at the advantages and disadvantages of such systems according to certain basic criteria for effective, successful teaching and learning. Well in advance of adopting an online course…

Suggests ways for educational institutions to avoid wasting money on software, including: (1) training staff properly; (2) considering the total costs of owning and maintaining software before purchasing it; and (3) finding out if the software will run properly on the school's hardware and network. Asserts that all of the hardware, connections,…

Implementation of IT "solutions" in the context of changes to business processes and efficiency is a common trigger for using formalised project management techniques. The trigger may include topical activities such as job evaluation schemes or quality assurance accreditation. This has led to a blurring of the boundary between projects and…

Explores obstacles to Internet usage, presents what is known about them, and considers strategies for avoiding or ameliorating their effects. Obstacles discussed include unrealistic expectations; lack of understanding of the effects of organizational culture on networking; lack of awareness of social effects of networking technologies; and lack of…

Emphasizes importance of educational technology in classrooms and presents action plan to utilize technology to improve American education. Identifies obstacles preventing utilization of technology to its fullest potential. Highlights leadership efforts of federal government to develop teachers' professional skills with new technologies. Suggests…

Challenges research and prevailing attitudes that maintain that computers improve teaching and academic achievement. Criticizes and questions research methodology, computer literacy education, the need for computer skills to make a competitive workforce, support from the business community resulting from technology programs, and Internet use. (LRW)

Special supplement contains articles covering kinds of networking systems used in schools; the benefits of networking; using technology to close achievement gaps between white and minority students; comments from three school administrators on their districts' technology planning; modem basics; and brief quotes on why schools should invest in…

Discusses how to create a district plan for managing computer technology in schools from the perspectives of a district administrator and a media director. Topics addressed include equity in access and instruction; distance education consortiums; planning committee membership; goals and effective planning; staff support; adoption strategies;…

Discusses steps taken to initiate, implement, and complete the five-year technology plan of Florida's Lee County school district. The project was developed to provide computer access for the district's administrators, teachers, and students. Sidebars present project phases; inservice training opportunities for district staff; services provided by…