Study examined how elementary teachers' personal variables predicted their classroom computer use. Teachers completed questionnaires that assessed level of computer use, subjective norms, innovativeness, perceived relevance of computers to teaching, and self-competence in using computers. Many teachers did not use computers for teaching.…

This descriptive study investigated the benefits and costs of using electronic portfolios (EPs) in preservice teacher education. Grounded within change theory, the study examined the perspectives of faculty in six programs in which EPs have been used on a large scale for two or more years. Benefits identified include increased opportunities for…

Survey asked 180 teachers of computer literacy courses for educators to rank the importance of various topics for inclusion in such courses and list one piece of software which should definitely be taught. Responses emphasized teaching word processing, database management, and spreadsheets. (SM)

Presents suggestions for teacher preparation programs wishing to integrate technology into their curricula, using information from a study of the International Business Machine (IBM) "Teacher Preparation with Technology Grant Program" which funded 144 projects. The four biggest project problems were leadership/administration, faculty,…

Compared beginning educational computer user's beliefs about classroom computing before and after completing one of three types of introductory computer courses. Stages of Concern survey data indicated that each course had the desired effect on teachers' attitudes. All three groups became aware of educational computing and were not concerned with…

Reports a study that examined the relationship of demographics and computer accessibility variables to special educators' perceived computer competency levels. Surveys of 234 special educators indicated that computer ownership and access to computers were the best predictors of perceived computer competence. The study found that student access to…

This study investigated how teachers in two school systems, at different levels of instructional computer competence, thought about and used computers to support instruction. Survey results indicated teachers in both systems, at both levels, had similar perceptions of what it took to become effective instructional computer users. (SM)

Reports on a follow-up study of teachers in a course to meet certification requirements. Entry and exit questionnaires indicated that teachers' personal computer skills increased and that their integration of computers into instructional practice was extended by the course, which directly affected their outlook on technology use. (SM)

Reports on results of a survey completed by Iowa teachers who had recently graduated from a large midwestern university. Most believed that a computer-specific course in preservice teaching programs was essential, especially one on developing strategies to integrate computers into all disciplines. Respondents considered their preservice computer…