Examined the effects of first-graders' writing competency when using computers compared to writing by hand. Found that students demonstrated significant differences favoring computer use over handwriting, including more words and sentences and greater writing competence, despite no differences observed in off-task behavior. (JPB)

Five experiments explored a potentially more productive application of educational technology in which an individual learner has the opportunity to develop a social relation with a computer by interacting with an animated pedagogical agent. Results support the introduction of interactive pedagogical agents to promote meaningful learning in…

Presents some of the perceived pedagogical challenges posed by use of the World Wide Web. Proposes that the debate surrounding use of the Web in university teaching should center on learning and not technical issues. Learning issues and challenges discussed in this article include learning approaches, using the technical features of the Web to…

Examines benefits and drawbacks of laptop programs in higher education, and gives examples of universities that have implemented laptop programs. One such university, in the United Arab Emirates, is considered a pioneer in the Middle East. The university's approach to implementing laptops in teaching and learning and the reactions of its faculty…

This paper addresses the question: how can e-learning be embedded in traditional universities so that it contributes to the transformation of the university? The paper examines e-learning strategies in higher education, locating the institutional context within the broader framework of national and international policy drivers which link…

This paper outlines a range of projects developed with funding from the European Community for a computer communication and research network and the electronic means employed to realize the network, from the point of view of the Director of Languages Resource Unit, University of Ulster, who must coordinate language training on six distant campuses…

Papers from a conference on microcomputers are: "Organizational Leadership through Information Technology" (John A. Anderson); "Multimedia in the Classroom--Rejuvenating the Literacy Course" (Stephen T. Anderson, Sr.); "Something New about Notetaking: A Computer-Based Instructional Experiment" (Donald Armel);…

As part of a longitudinal project to inventory computer equipment and identify current instructional use of microcomputers in Kansas community colleges, surveys were sent to the 19 community colleges in Kansas in spring 1994. The surveys solicited data on student enrollment, which subject areas utilized microcomputers, types of hardware available,…

Commitment to teaching excellence is enhanced when innovative and creative methods are introduced into the education setting. With today's rapidly changing technology, professional and presentation software can be used to improve the learning process. At Florida's Stetson University, professional estate, gift, and fiduciary software packages were…

This practitioner-oriented guide provides nontechnnical, straightforward advice on how to stay on top of technological changes and innovation and how to design, implement, and run a computer lab and/or computer-assisted classroom. It addresses the fundamental overhead of the educational infrastructure that is necessary for classroom technology to…

Literature has indicated that computers have a potential to support children in all stages of development. To enhance children's learning through technology, it is important to understand how children use computers. This study explores the use of interactive multimedia by three- to five-year olds. Through a close examination of the young…

This report presents an overview of some of the major issues facing California higher education as it moves into the Information Age. It reviews previous California Postsecondary Education Commission reports on educational technology back to 1979, noting the changing emphasis of those reports from a preoccupation with distance learning to a…

The role of computer technology in China is examined in this paper, with a focus on the current status of school administration, educational technology, educational television, and computer education. A review of current research indicates that computer use in Chinese schools is sparse and haphazard. The recommendation is made that the USA/China…

Consequences of the coming worldwide competition in courses, degree programs, and training, and what it may mean for higher education in the future are discussed. Traditionally, institutions of higher education had some security in what amounted to geographical monopolies corresponding to the physical campus location. The educational consumer is…

To improve teacher training, a model was developed to summarize and categorize teachers' levels of current and future Internet usage in teaching. This model was intended to prepare teacher educators to help inservice teachers learn to use the Internet to support their courses. Three levels are determined by how the Internet is used educationally…