In order to achieve its goal to improve learning and ensure success of students, Valley City State University (VCSU) implemented a comprehensive and multidimensional agenda for institutional change. A central component, Improving Learning with Technology (ILT), involves integration of learning and assessment that is facilitated by, and contingent…

This study examined utilization of digital resources at two different Native American tribal schools, one located in the Southwest and another in the Northwest. Ethnographic methods were employed in the study to explore the cultural issues involved in the use of computers in the tribal schools. Site visits were conducted of the two schools.…

At a time when demand for employees with information technology (IT) skills is booming, there is a decline not only in the number of females entering this field of study in most western countries but also in the number of females taking computer courses (Nielsen, von Hellens, Wong, 2000). Moreover, the gap in computer access and training for…

This paper argues that a range of forms and modalities of resources should be provided to ensure accessibility and richness on the World Wide Web for all users. Based on experiences in developing virtual exhibitions of Quinkan Aboriginal Rock Art, the authors present a brief overview of the technology available for accessibility. Then they explore…

This paper provides guidance on the issue of universal Web accessibility for individuals with physical challenges, who need accommodations to fully participate in the electronic world. Four categories of information facilitate understanding the complexity of the issues. These categories are: U.S. legal mandates; international accessibility policy…

While 96% of teachers profess to use technology, this study of 85 teachers in grades 5-12 in Florida and Georgia found that only 4% of teachers actually integrated technology in their instruction. The majority of schools had few computers, fewer Internet-ready computers available for student access, and teachers who had never received any training…

The requirements of No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) has presented challenges for schools and districts across the United States such as a new need to focus on test scores and student achievement. While all states, districts, and schools face challenges that require them to adjust the structure and delivery of instruction in their schools,…

This study examined new teachers' use of technology in the classroom. Data were collected from 28 former elementary and middle school majors who were currently teaching in schools near the university they had attended. Teachers completed a survey instrument, and the researcher visited their classrooms. Very few of the teachers had easy access to…

The digital divide is a commonly used term in today's society, but few truly understand the impact that it has on minority students. This issue is one that goes beyond access to technology, but encompasses issues of equity in use. This paper examines the data on home and school computer use by minority students. It discusses the College Reach-Out…

This paper describes a university German teacher's experience using the file transfer capabilities of the Blackboard Internet tool. The introduction highlights some of the features and advantages of Blackboard. The first section discusses teacher empowerment, noting that the Internet empowers the teacher by providing the wealth of the worlds…

A survey of 131 southeast Louisiana educators revealed a significant discrepancy between educators' familiarity with technology and media, and the accessibility of such technology. A questionnaire asked subjects (73% female, and 27% male) to respond to a variety of items indicating familiarity with and accessibility to technology. In addition,…

This paper reviews the research on the effects of differential computer background on the short- and long-range success of minority students, identifies some strategies Glendale Community College (Arizona) has used to encourage minority students' use of computing, specifically computer conferencing, and explains the measures constructed to track…

A basic public speaking/communication course at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a general degree requirement, is using computer mediated technologies to make the class more innovative and applicable. The basic course should provide experiential knowledge of the fundamentals of delivering an effective presentation, and, in a more general…

Research literature shows that current uses of computers in public school education are not reaching minority populations, and that females and ethnic minority students are less likely to have access to a computer at home. In addition, a study of computer use in the Learning Skills Center (LSC) at the University of Alabama supported the research…

Online teaching and learning is making a significant impact on the fabric of higher education. In particular, online MBA programs have seen a rapid rise in student enrollments in recent years while the student enrollments in traditional in-residence MBA programs are in decline (Hayward, 2004; Lorenzo, 2004). This appears to be due, in part, to the…