Reports on a study that examined the extent to which selected computer-related attitudes, aptitudes, and interests have similar predictive value for the retraining of elementary versus secondary school teachers. Having participants experience ways in which computers can be useful for them provides a framework for learning and understanding…

Investigates the computer knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate early childhood majors enrolled in a teaching-methods course which has not historically emphasized the potential of computerized simulation in instruction. Results are discussed in terms of the need to broaden preservice teachers' exposure to computers if they are expected to use…

Teachers' attitudes toward the use of technology vary greatly. Studies show that many teachers have negative attitudes toward the use of technology and that gender differences exist, with females using technology less than their male counterparts. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a technology-focused professional development…

Influencing government policy in adult learning areas requires consistent efforts in having findings noticed by educational policymakers. Submissions by Adult Learning Australia and researchers have called for unified educational policies and practices across Australia. This paper argues that, whilst it is important to address macro issues of…

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) is often presented as a promising learning method. However, it is also facing some new challenges. Apart from answering the question of whether or not working with CSCL generates satisfying learning outcomes, it is important to determine whether or not all participants profit from collaboration,…

This paper describes the change in student attitudes after taking a computer literacy course which is part of a 6-week pre-college summer session. The summer session is designed for the educationally and financially disadvantages students of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and students from the ACCESS program who do not meet normal…

This study was designed to investigate the use of computers by student teachers in their practicums. Student teachers (n=120) in two public universities in the United States answered a questionnaire that covered: the manner and frequency of computer use, student teachers' perception of their training, their attitudes toward the role of the…

The key to successful harnessing of the power and potential of new educational technologies lies in appropriate training of teachers. An educational technology joint venture was created at the Northern Territory University in Darwin (Australia) in which the Institute of Technical and Further Education provided the equipment, the Computing Services…

To learn more about students' computer-literacy levels and attitudes about computer use, a pilot study was performed in the summer of 1993 to evaluate the computer literacy of first-year students entering the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. A survey was completed by 444 incoming students during their orientation programs. The majority had some…

Discusses gender differences in computer literacy and the unsuccessful integration of computer technology and its impact on girls and minorities. Describes a study of fourth graders that investigated attitudes toward books, television, and computers; home access to computers; changes in computer confidence; and links between inequitable access and…

Examined computer attitudes of elementary education students over a 10-year period. Found that the more recent elementary education majors had more prior computer experience and lower computer anxiety than those entering a program earlier in the 10-year period; and that male elementary education majors had higher computer anxiety than female ones.…

Presents the results of a study that surveyed 350 Australian secondary teachers concerning their experiences and attitudes about computers. As hypothesized, computer anxieties were inversely related to the quality of prior computer learning experiences. Recommends approaches for the reduction of computer anxiety among teachers. (MJP)

In this paper, we present the findings of a study of attitude changes of entry-level University students towards computers conducted at two South African Universities. Analysis comprised "t" tests to discover differences between the perceptions/attitudes of male and female respondents, English/Afrikaans speakers and those speaking the…

Instructional technology allows students to visualize complex ideas and understand abstract concepts in a manner that simply is not possible with the use of just lecture and a chalkboard. The use of instructional technology in a class and the impact that it has on students are almost wholly dependent on individual instructors. While a small…

A survey of teachers from 55, primarily rural, school districts in southeastern Idaho examined teachers' perceptions of their own ability to use educational technology and their actual technology use. In addition, the study examined the effects of gender, education level, years of teaching, grade level assignment, number of subjects taught, number…