A sample of 81 Australian primary teachers was surveyed in 1985 and a similar group of 55 teachers was surveyed in 1987 in order to compare the numbers and variety of microcomputers purchased and how teachers used them in primary schools. Data were collected on teaching background, participation in inservice and preservice courses, and various…

The role of the central university computing center in the age of personal computers includes custodian of the administrative database, provider/coordinator of network services, provider of expertise on end-user computing, provider of large scale computation, coordinator of computing in the institution, and a scholarly workstation. (DB)

This book recounts what happened when a set of 25 laptop computers was introduced into each of 10 Australian schools (Camberwell, Anglican Girls Grammar School; Caulfield Grammar School; Frankston High School; Jamieson Park Secondary College; Kilvington Baptist Girls Grammar School; Korowa Anglican Girls' School; Mallacoota P-12 College; Methodist…

This study examined similarities and differences among children who regularly use computers at home, including difference in their families and communities. The following characteristics were identified as key factors that might be associated with differences: gender, age, parental computing experiences, number of computers in the home,…

Explored the performance of primary school children in Logo programming tasks while they worked in one of three gender pairs (girl, boy, or boy-girl). Found no considerable differences in performance based on gender. Results suggest that what distinguished performance was the application of metastrategic processes--the most effective solutions…

This study examined how children, drawn from K-6 grades in 3 primary schools in southwest Sydney, use computers in their homes and the physical and social environments within which they use them. Key issues explored were diversity of access, range of uses, and factors which influence use, including gender, age, and parental and sibling role…

The overall aim of the study "Children's Use of Electronic Technologies in the Home" was to examine the access to and use of electronic technologies in the homes of primary-school-aged children. The impact of electronic technologies on the children's lives, particularly with reference to their schooling was also discussed. This stage of…

Describes changes needed in the administration of education, resource allocation, staffing, and curriculum delivery that will produce high-tech public schools to educate students for the workplace in a postmodern technological society. (SM)

Many preservice computer courses do not provide students with certain important skills. Such skills are best developed through instructional programs in teacher education that mirror the models that teachers will be using in their own classrooms. The information technology component within teacher education is an integral part of the program. (SM)

This paper reports the results of a 3-year study of children's use of computers in their homes and examines the implications of such use for educators. Subjects were over 400 children between ages 5 and 12 who came from a variety of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds in urban Sydney (Australia). The study aimed to develop knowledge and…

Since 1990 the author has designed and led staff development activities for 12 Australian schools in which every child is asked to own a notebook computer. Workshops are designed to inspire teachers to lead each other in the transition from traditional methodology to universal personal computing. This paper provides a case study of a school in…

Provides a history of educational technology in Australia over the past 30 years. Highlights include Australian education structures; the impact of film and television on higher education; educational funding sources, including government and private sources; video; visual and media literacy; personal computers; curriculum development; and future…

This report contains recommendations and guidelines for the development of a national computer education program for all Australian schools. The introduction provides background information on the appointment of the National Advisory Committee on Computers in Schools, including the guidelines and objectives set for it by the government. Chapter 2,…

Starting with an analysis of technological change and innovation cycles, this paper explores the effects of information technology on education in Australia over the past decade. Taking into account current programs and policies concerning the introduction of information technology in education, the paper outlines possible directions for future…