The current study focused on an important issue pertaining to online social communication by investigating perceptional differences between eastern and western adolescents. A total of 309 participants were recruited from three countries: China, Singapore, and the United States. Significant differences were found between eastern and western…

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of computer technology on Jordanian children from the perspectives of their parents. The sample of the study consisted of 127 participants. Each participant is a parent of a child or children who owned a personal computer. Our findings revealed some of the positive as well as negative changes…

Two studies addressed students' motivation and participation in an online discussion board which was part of a traditional lecture-based course. The discussion board represented an external communication resource to extend the learning activities beyond the classroom. Self-Determination Theory was used as the theoretical framework to investigate:…

Examines how students with weak computer-mediated communication (CMC) skills fare in CMC courses that require high levels of peer interaction. Subjects were 11 male and 4 female inservice teachers. Findings indicate that students' CMC skills had only a modest impact on their participation in the course; students with less developed skills…

The Computer Use Scale (CUS) measures how people use computers across four dimensions: Enthusiasm, Entertainment, Efficiency, and Communication. The scale was found to be reliable and was able to detect differences among various classes of users. Applications of the scale to computer training, software design, and job placement are discussed.…

Addresses the effects of an after-school computer club network, the Fifth Dimension, on children's computer knowledge development. Compares Fifth Dimension novices and "experts" who had attended several times previously. Concludes that despite the absence of formal instruction, children's knowledge about computers is enhanced. (AEF)

Gives an introduction to three articles addressing the potential value of a network of after-school computer clubs called the Fifth Dimension. The articles demonstrate improvements in computer literacy (near transfer), ability to understand arithmetic and word problems (medium transfer), and reading and mathematics achievement (far transfer). (AEF)

Examines the effects of participation in the Fifth Dimension after-school computer program on far transfer achievement in the subject areas of reading and math. Provides evidence that children who participate in the Fifth Dimension master knowledge and skill structures and acquire practices that mediate their performance on global measures of…

Children who attended the Fifth Dimension after-school computer club at least 10 times during the 1994-95 school year performed better on word problem comprehension tests than did non-participating children. Results support the hypothesis that experience in using computer software in the Fifth Dimension club produces measurable, resilient, and…