Most studies investigating preservice teachers' attitudes towards computers have drawn subjects from required computer classes or from elective courses. This study examines computer attitudes of preservice teachers in reading, mathematics, and science education methods courses which have not traditionally emphasized the role of computers in the…

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of graduate students regarding the time spent in taking a course via the Internet compared to taking a class in the "regular" classroom. Graduate students completed a course in research on curriculum and instruction taught entirely via a Web-based program and email. Students would read…

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…

Reserve readings are a special collection in the university library, established by a professor to support a particular class. A recent study at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill found enthusiasm among current reserve users for an electronic reserve system (Petersen, 1996). The study described in this paper examined the reasons some…

This practicum paper describes a program implemented at an international school in Spain. The program's objectives were to create positive attitudes concerning technology, increase the participants' computer knowledge and usage, and decrease the amount of time the school's computer coordinator spent solving computer related problems. The target…

This digest expands the definition of computer literacy to include information literacy, delineates issues surrounding student access to new technologies, describes courses that include instruction in computer-related skills, summarizes efforts at including computer literacy among general education requirements, and addresses the faculty role in…

This study examined the effectiveness of an educational computing course on preservice teachers' computer use and attitudes toward computers in education. The study used data from 16 (12 female, 4 male) preservice teachers who attended the University of Southern California. Results indicated that teachers' prior computer experience shapes their…

Reports on a study of the characteristics of interactions in the computer conferences on "TeleNex", a computer network for the professional development of English as Second Language (ESL) teachers in Hong Kong. A framework of message analysis is described and results of a user questionnaire are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Examines the use of technology under two different contexts: university courses for future middle school teachers, and middle school classrooms. Emphasizes the need for young adolescents to become technologically literate. Discusses different programs to help middle school students learn how to use technology, and at the same time helping them…

Examines the acquisition and use of computers in early childhood programs, focusing on the developmental appropriateness of computers for young children, compatibility and selection problems, and budgetary constraints. Also discusses classroom computer issues, such as location, usage, software selection, and gender equity. (MDM)

Based on two rules--be patient, and begin in nonthreatening areas--this basic introduction to computer and Internet use for teachers covers selecting software, the Internet, online training, online forums, and finding curriculum. Six teachers share experiences, advice, and their favorite online resources and educational applications. Numerous…

Compares the negative attitudes of professors toward pressure to integrate information technology to similar reactions to audiovisual materials 30 years ago. Presents a case study conducted at the University of Central Florida, outlining student and teacher reactions to Web-based courses. Suggests that faculty should maintain a proactive outlook…

A survey of 963 undergraduates and 27 faculty members in the University of Alberta (Canada) teacher education program found that computers were most often used as a personal productivity tool and not integrated into the curriculum. Deterrents to use of instructional technology by university staff were lack of funding, lack of time to learn new…

This paper reports on the use of an online, resource-based learning (RBL) approach in first year psychology at Deakin University. Differences between on- and off-campus students that emerged are examined in the context of the learning goals and study approaches of the two student groups and their attitudes to using computers. Unlike the on-campus…

As the pedagogical-effectiveness of information technology (IT) in mathematics education is carefully established the topic of discourse among mathematicians and mathematics educators is no longer a dispute about whether or not to use IT in the teaching and learning of mathematics but a shift to some debate about the when and how of its usage.…