Today's youth thrive in informal participatory communities where they not only consume but also act as contributors or producers. Through active participation they develop new media skills encompassing cultural competencies and social skills. In a participatory culture of learning, students' active contributions to their learning are stressed and…

The impact of computers on society and education will be dependent on the effectiveness of the battle for people's minds. Educators play a key role in motivating and leading students. Computer-oriented business education programs are available that keep the teacher central in the instructional program. (JOW)

Exploration of concepts crucial to development of new computer-based learning environments focuses on process rather than product and the computer's ability to record, represent, and communicate the underlying process. Cognitive, pedagogical, and sociological issues relevant to creation of learning environments in five domains (empowering…

Explores some of the issues raised by the introduction of computers into society and, in particular, questions concerning the impact, both direct and indirect, of the availability of computers on the young. (CMG)

Addressing the question of how computers can assist language development, this discussion paper presents a broad overview of the potential for computer use across the elementary school language arts curriculum. It begins by listing several questions that must be considered when assessing the usefulness of computers within the language curriculum,…

The opinions of special and regular class educators (n=353) concerning computer instruction for students with learning disabilities were surveyed. Results indicated teacher concerns for training in basic computer literacy. Highly rated instructional priorities included computer use for drill and practice and for activities increasing motivation to…

This study was designed to examine the effects of the competency (low vs. high) and interaction type (proactive vs. responsive) of pedagogical agents as learning companions (PALs) on learning, self-efficacy, and attitudes. Participants were 72 undergraduates in an introductory computer-literacy course who were randomly assigned to one of four…

Six school districts selected through Project BEST (Basic Education Skills through Technology)--Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools, Alexander (Albany, Ohio) School District, Ann Arbor (Michigan) Schools, Cupertino (California) Union School District, Fairfax (Virginia) Public Schools, and Plains (Montana) Public Schools--describe their use of…

Computer-based instructional applications are considered an effective alternative to traditional teaching methods and today in numerous educational and training settings, interactive computer programs are used to teach young students and adults computer literacy skills. The purpose of this study is to compare the attitudes and motivations of…

Surveys indicate that while most elementary and secondary school teachers have access to microcomputers, the majority have not applied computer technology in their classrooms. Some teachers are apprehensive and negative toward computers, but in many cases this reflects a lack of information and training and a perceived shortage of software more…

Despite the well-known potential of computer technology to promote achievement and motivational gains among social studies learners, there is very little reported use of microcomputers in social studies classrooms. Factors contributing to this lack of use include: (a) lack of microcomputers for teacher use, (b) lack of high quality software, (c)…

Describes a study of high school students that presents two exploratory path analyses of potentially relevant variables influencing both computer course enrollment and self-perceived computer proficiency. Computer attitudes and computer attributions are investigated, and implications for designing educational strategies are discussed. (25…

This paper describes some of the features of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and its uses in the teaching-learning process in elementary schools. In most schools, it is difficult for ICT to be used effectively in the teaching-learning process. The author observed many classes using ICT in elementary schools. Qualitative data, such as…

Summarizes results of a nationwide survey of teachers of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade about their attitudes toward computers in the classroom. Topics addressed include the possible effects of computers on dropout rates, literacy, and discipline problems; student motivation and skill development; equity of access; curriculum and…

This collection of 18 papers covers four broad areas of teaching and learning in higher education: innovative college teaching/learning strategies; effective classroom research/assessment activities; advanced classroom technology; and developing teaching and learning centers. Papers also address the question of how the college classroom is…