In this chapter, we discuss changes in the age structure of the labor force, the need for continued skill upgrading over the life course to remain employable, patterns of participation in adult learning and development activities, and the role community colleges play in providing education and training to middle-aged and older adults. In an…

This paper addresses the concepts of digital natives and digital divide from the perspective of the digital outsiders (part of digital natives). It takes a critical look at the implications of available ICT in both developed and underdeveloped countries in the fight against digital divide. The major contribution to literature is by drawing…

The main objective of our study is to determine the challenges faced during the process of teaching Computer Science in a university of a country in transition and make suggestions to improve this teaching process by perfecting the necessary conditions. Our survey builds on the thesis that we live in an information age; information technology is…

Describes 12 constraints imposed by culture on educational software portability. Nielsen's seven-level virtual protocol model of human-computer interaction is discussed as a framework for considering the constraints, a hypothetical example of adapting software for Mexico is included, and suggestions for overcoming constraints and making software…

Reviews findings of a national survey to see how information and computer literacy (ICL) is being introduced in Dutch secondary schools. Factors influencing the successful implementation of innovations are discussed, and strategies for future implementation of ICL courses, which are part of the national policy towards computer literacy, are…

The interactions between computer use and access by adolescents and their computer-related opinions and values are presented in the framework of a "manifold model" of computer interactions. This model emphasizes the complexity and multidimensional nature of the system of variables in which such interaction is embedded. For this study,…

Describes a study that investigated the relationships between variables of background discipline, attitude toward computers and technology, experience with computers, and gender among 928 students at an institution of higher education in Scotland. Results are analyzed and discussed with relation to vocational choices, and topics for future…

Discussion of cultural differences and their effects on how new technology is viewed in developed and developing countries focuses on a study that examined the conceptions of Swedish and Chinese college students concerning computers. The attitudes of psychology students and computer science students are compared, and implications for computer…

This paper describes the Manifold Access Model, which has been developed for the simultaneous representation and analysis of the interrelationships between five variable clusters: (1) computer access; (2) personal and social attitudes and values with respect to computer use; (3) self-assessed competence and confidence with respect to computer use;…

Describes a study that compared the expressed objectives of teachers using computer-based information handling packages in the classroom against recorded classroom outcomes. The areas of skill and knowledge acquisition, learning strategies, sociopsychological issues, and life skills are discussed. (9 references) (CLB)

A study explored informal learning in relation to online communications and working class people's use of computers as a socially situated practice rooted in collective, communal relationships. It drew on analysis of online learning workshop participation in specially initiated sessions among Canadian labor activist/educators. Findings were based…

This study examined cross-cultural technology training and education. A four-part questionnaire addressed computer training preferences, computer attitudes and perceptions, and computer access among Chinese, Ghanaian, and American students in college business and education classes. The differences in computer ownership among students reflected…

This book comprises an overview and 11 chapters that address issues related to flexible approaches to delivery and online learning in particular. "Overview" (Guthrie) highlights key points drawn from the chapters. "Does Digital Literacy Mean More Than Clicking Your Fingers?" (Candy) discusses the importance of information and…

A study investigated ways employers and their apprentices and trainees perceive how these employees' English language and literacy (ELL) skills affect their learning and performance in the workplace in the current context of New Apprenticeships. The research design and methodology involved sending an opinion survey to a stratified random sample of…

This series of five short papers describes an interdisciplinary, community action research project in Newfoundland that sought to enhance and extend the traditional and technological literacy of adults. The papers were part of an action research project conducted by the directors and tutors which made computers available in community resource…