This informational memorandum is the first in a series of reports focusing on the SchoolNet initiatives. It describes SchoolNet, SchoolNet Plus, and the Ameritech Agreement, presenting background information on their funding authorities, purposes, key players, organizational structures, and statutory timeframes. The report also describes how…

This brief examines patterns of Internet access in schools. Highlights include: (1) Between fall 1994 and 1997, Internet access in public schools increased from 35 to 78 percent, but in fall 1997, 27 percent of instructional rooms had Internet access; (2) in fall 1995, public schools were more likely to have Internet access than private schools…

This survey was conducted to provide a picture of how microcomputers were used in Alberta (Canada) schools in 1993. Questionnaires were sent to 125 school jurisdictions, with a return rate of 76%, and 1,524 schools, with a return rate of 87%. Data were collected on total number of computers in use, computer use by brand, expected purchase of…

Providing university students with distance education is of great importance in the global world. Distance education provides advantages and benefits especially for students who don't have the chance to meet lecturers from other universities face to face. Distance education connects the learner and teacher to resources that are difficult to access…

The goals of this project were to describe the various on-line models and delivery formats that have emerged in Alberta and to identify common practices and current issues surrounding the provision of on-line or virtual schooling. A Steering Committee developed a conceptual framework for the study under the three main headings of…

Enhanced student learning is the primary objective of integrating technology into classrooms. In order to realize this objective, several critical success factors must be addressed: Access to Technology, Administrative Services, Professional Development, and Curriculum Integration. In this Technology Plan, recommendations are made for action at…

This Issue Brief presents data from two surveys conducted through the National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) Fast Response Survey System (FRSS)a 1999 survey of public school Internet access and a 1999 survey of public school teachers use of computers and the Internetto examine whether teachers who report having classroom access and…

Examines educational technology applications in Taiwan. Highlights include historical background; learning technology integration; computer availability; teacher training; student and teacher attitudes; computer-mediated communication and collaboration; curriculum planning; distance education; and an educational technology model that includes…

Discusses and compares the use of information and communication technology in K-12 schools in France and in the United States. Topics include students to computers ratio; schools having Internet connections; teacher's use of electronic and other resources; constructivism; and benefits of technology integration. (LRW)

Suggests uses for the NII (National Information Infrastructure) for education and lifelong learning. Highlights include educational benefits of technology; current uses of telecommunications for education, including instructional video and distance learning; the role of various federal, state, and local agencies; telecommunications in the…

Considers five distinct issues that must be addressed in order to integrate technology into schools and plan for it effectively: infrastructure, including the National Information Infrastructure; professional development for teachers; content and software, including cost effectiveness; equity and access; and financing. (LRW)

Presents examples of the evaluation of media and technologies used at the FernUniversitat (Germany) for distance education. Topics include course evaluation; system or institutional evaluation; information and communication technologies; communication preferences and practice; computer access; multimedia via CD-ROMs and the Internet; video…

Discusses the importance of introducing preservice teachers to the use of technology and how to integrate it into their classrooms. Describes one teacher's development of multimedia programs and emphasizes availability of and access to computers in schools, careful planning, the use of appropriate technology, and student motivation. (LRW)

This author states that he feels privileged to have been able to contribute to a number of teacher professional associations since the early 1980s at both the local and national levels. His involvement with the Australian Council for Computers in Education (ACCE) was for a period in excess of 18 years as the Computer Education Group of the ACT…

In response to this digital divide between developed and developing countries in their use of computers to prepare students for the global economy, the World Bank and, subsequently, the World Links organization provided schools in developing countries with networked computers and training that supports integration of ICT into teaching. This…