Summarizes the results of six studies that examined differences between courses in computer programming and computer literacy, and the relationships between achievement in these courses, student personality traits, cognitive styles, and gender. Suggestions for future research are made. (7 references) (CLB)

Describes an empirical study that examined the effects of computer use by children and adolescents for possible negative psycho-social effects. Results showed no indication of negative effects of working or playing with computers; data points toward certain positive effects of computer use. (Author/LS)

Summarizes findings from a 1983 survey on instructional computing patterns in Texas school districts that have implications for teacher training. Patterns under investigation were concerned with hardware, courseware, student populations and curriculum areas using computers, computer literacy skills for students, and teacher training efforts. (MBR)

This statewide study of teachers of intellectually gifted students examined teachers' attitudes toward information technology. Participants were 418 teachers of the intellectually gifted in a southeastern state who voluntarily responded to a survey about technology attitudes. Results indicated positive attitudes toward technology, with training in…

Describes design of three linked databases on gardening which are intended for use by home computer owners. Principles of development of these programs--which are neither expert systems nor databases in the usual sense--are outlined, and the self-education process in which the developers found themselves engaged is discussed. (MBR)

Describes the results of a study of computer usage at school and at home by 1,747 students between 14 and 18 years old in the United Kingdom. Highlights include gender differences and issues related to the developmental sequence in usage from computer games to more complete uses of computer facilities. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study conducted with 14 preschoolers to determine (1) whether all children are competent programers functioning adequately in a LOGO environment and (2) if individual differences in learning do exist, whether they can be attributed to children's mathematical aptitude, creativity, cognitive style, and computer or computer-related…

Summarizes ideas on five main issues presented at the World Conference on Computers in Education held in Norfolk, Virginia, in August 1985: impact of transferring practical information processing to technology; size of devices; information technology costs; computers at home, in public schools, and universities; and information technology's impact…

A study of teacher attitudes toward and knowledge of computers polled 240 teachers enrolled in computer education classes at Arizona State University. Results revealed a positive correlation between attitude and knowledge level, with teachers indicating an appreciation for classroom computers and expressing interest in expanding their knowledge.…

A syllabus analysis instrument was developed to assist program evaluators, administrators and faculty in the identification of skills that students use as they complete their college coursework. While this instrument can be tailored for use with a variety of learning domains, we used it to assess students' use of and exposure to computer…

Compares two surveys--one of school administrators and one of computer experts--on perceptions of priorities among computer competencies for school administrators. Analysis includes importance of computer literacy; programing, application, hardware/software, and resource acquisition skills; and awareness of training needs. Experts were found to be…

A mailed questionnaire completed by 86 parents of preschool and kindergarten children showed overall positive attitudes toward computers and computer use by young children with more positive attitudes among those parents whose children used computers in school. Significant factors were educational level of parents and family income. (JHZ)

This study of 18 high school teachers focuses on personal dimensions of the change process and on teacher concerns about using microcomputers in the classroom. Stages of Concern Questionnaire and interviews were used to design a staff development model consisting of inservice activities that addressed teacher's concerns about computers.…

Analyzes a teacher training course taught for two subsequent years in Italy in which students investigate how computers can be used as tools to improve the learning process. The course topics examined, working method adopted, and results obtained are discussed, and suggestions are made for training present and future teachers. (Author/MBR)

The main goal of this paper is to investigate cross-cultural factors that predict academic ability among mathematically gifted Olympians in Finland and the United States. The following two research problems are formulated: (1) What factors contribute to or impede the development of the Olympians' mathematic talent? and (2) Do the Olympians fulfill…