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,…

Addresses the issue of how teachers can conduct more efficient Internet searches in order to find sites that are unbiased, reliable, and accurate. Presents the MarcoPolo Project, a partnership among seven leading educational institutions, as a service that provides teachers with credible content through an easy-to-use Web interface. (NB)

Offers a model for the integration of technology into the school curriculum. The school described here used an integrated program that empowers students, faculty, administration, and parents to utilize technology for the promotion and enhancement of academic excellence, Christian ethics, and global responsibility. School won a U.S. Department of…

Discusses the role which computers can play in Catholic education, describing the importance of emerging technologies such as CD-ROM, electronic mail, teleconferencing, and computer networks. Indicates that, in spite of possible financial difficulties, schools should set aside funding for educational computer programming to ensure that students…

Describes the development of a technology infrastructure at a Catholic school in southeast Dallas. The plan consisted of four phases: (1) updating the computer lab; (2) updating the office and administration; (3) introducing networking and e-mail into the classrooms; and (4) adding Internet access. An advisory council and family members…

Identifies five stages of technology integration in education: (1) obtaining software, hardware, and peripherals; (2) coordinating classroom activities with new technologies; (3) learning how to use the technology; (4) achieving success; and (5) planning for the future. Suggests teachers need more time to reflect on and practice new technologies,…

Recounts the discussions at the five-day Bishop's Institute for Social Communication in September 1999 held in Bangkok, Thailand to study and reflect on the impact of new communication technologies for "Being Church" in the 21st century. Describes the passion with which the local Church in Asia embraces of the countless possibilities…

Discusses a computer teacher's incorporation of hand-held computer technology into her third- and fifth-grade students' study of acid rain. The project successfully brought two grade levels together for cross-grade research, provided an opportunity for classroom teachers and technology specialists to work collaboratively, and enhanced students'…

Describes the process of bringing a college preparatory school up to industry standard in technology. To enhance the project's success, the school provided faculty with laptop computers and training classes, and made use of 15 of its own students who were getting their Microsoft Certified Professional certification. (NB)

Discusses educational techniques unique to the communication age, including virtual communities, customized knowledge banks, and virtual experiences. Suggests that collaboration among educators in these techniques offers moral support, improved effectiveness, and increased capacity for reflection, while leading to greater organizational…

Examines the role of teachers in an increasingly technology-based world. Highlights potential clashes between administrators and teachers with regard to the classroom uses of technology. Indicates that teachers must become learners once again if they are to fulfill their new role as facilitators in the technology-enriched classroom. (MAB)

Investigates which computer software programs are most available and most frequently employed by students in Catholic elementary schools. Identifies the extent to which computer software programs, implicitly or explicitly, contained values antithetical to, or supportive of, the educational philosophy of a Catholic school. Contains 18 references.…

Discusses interactive software's ability to allow hands-on learning and help students integrate disciplines by performing creative problem solving. Notes that interactive software allows for meaningful performance-based assessment through the creation of video portfolios of student work. Highlights the growing popularity of performance-based…

Discusses the benefits of establishing computer centers in early childhood classrooms to enhance cognitive learning, develop self-esteem, and stimulate divergent thinking. Outlines steps necessary for setting up a classroom computer center, such as defining procedures and rules and choosing appropriate activities and software. Suggests ways to…

Describes efforts by Ohio Catholic high schools to devise a comprehensive student-centered technology plan. Outlines goals of the program, including the creation of a highly sophisticated library system, revision of the entire curriculum to facilitate technology integration, and provision of laptop computers to all teachers and students. (DJM)