Despite the growing attention being paid to the use of Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) in China, it is still uncertain what factors lie behind EFL (English-as-a-foreign-language) learners' continuance intention to use it. To this end, by adding two external factors (i.e., computer self-efficacy and perceived ease of use) to the expectation…

Collaborative problem solving is a complex skill set that draws on social and cognitive factors. The construct remains in its infancy due to lack of empirical evidence that can be drawn upon for validation. The differences and similarities between two large-scale initiatives that reflect this state of the art, in terms of underlying assumptions…

This article reports on a study of adult literacy and learning in a public computing center where people contend with the new literacy demands of online government and other automated technologies. The study asks, (1) What literacy and learning practices are associated with digital governance? (2) What pedagogies support people to navigate digital…

Based on my role as Editor in Chief of the journal Language Learning & Technology since 2000 and on my experiences as a technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) researcher, developer and teacher, I will provide an overview of recent cutting-edge research on the uses of technologies for second language teaching and learning. I suggest that…

In this special issue on high-stakes English language testing in China, the two articles on computer-based testing (Jin & Yan; He & Min) highlight a number of consistent, ongoing challenges and concerns in the development and implementation of the nationwide IB-CET (Internet Based College English Test) and institutional computer-adaptive…

Growing enrollment in distance education has increased student-to-lecturer ratios and, therefore, increased the workload of the lecturer. This growing enrollment has resulted in mounting efforts to develop automatic grading systems in an effort to reduce this workload. While research in the design and development of automatic grading systems has a…

This research focuses on the development and implementation of an adaptive learning and grading system with a goal to increase the effectiveness and quality of feedback to students. By utilizing various concepts from established learning theories, the goal of this research is to improve the quantity, quality, and speed of feedback as it pertains…

Desktop personal computers do not appear to have increased productivity, largely because employees are not being trained properly. An effective training plan includes high quality internal training staff, connection with business objectives, and focus on career development. (SK)

The impact of digital check imaging technology on two bank departments was compared. In one, tasks that were not automated were subdivided into narrower jobs. In the other, managers combined multiple related tasks to create jobs of greater complexity. The consequences of technological change thus depended in part on management decisions. (Contains…

Responses from 46 of 262 administrative office support workers showed that a majority were involved in providing office technology training to subordinates, peers, and superiors, although it was in only one-third of the job descriptions. More than 95% was informal training/question answering. (SK)

Argues that the gender gap in computer use may place female library users at a disadvantage, and discusses the implications of the gap for bibliographic instruction. Topics addressed include the extent of the gap, reasons for it, psychosocial factors involved in it, factors encouraging it, analyzing it in libraries, and bridging it. (44…

A study investigated the impact of computerization on administrative support positions through a survey of 529 university-educated individuals (166 responses). Results indicate that the majority did not experience the alienating influence of the computer and were enthusiastic about its integration into their work lives. (JOW)

Discusses the need for more technology training for library employees. Highlights include computer literacy skills; productivity; knowledge of operating systems; troubleshooting with hardware; ongoing training in information technology; and placing more importance on the computer skills of prospective employees. (LRW)

A series of follow-ups of office systems graduates from 1977-94 (n=263) demonstrated how technology has shaped the office systems curriculum and occupations. Computer literacy and communicative competence are essential skills. Promotion and salary prospects are good. (SK)

Executives (n=63) and office-systems educators (n=88) recommended for workers the following categories of computer end-user skills: hardware, operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, database, desktop publishing, and presentation. (SK)