Competency in the new literacies of the Internet is essential for participating in contemporary society. Researchers studying these new literacies are recognizing the limitations of traditional methodological tools and adapting new technologies and new media for use in research. This paper reports our exploration of usability testing software to…

This research focuses on the development and implementation of an adaptive learning and grading system with a goal to increase the effectiveness and quality of feedback to students. By utilizing various concepts from established learning theories, the goal of this research is to improve the quantity, quality, and speed of feedback as it pertains…

Since 2002 the "Zurich E-Learning Certificate" offers lecturers and academic staff from the three main universities in Zurich the possibility to take part in a professional development program which supports the acquirement of eCompetence. The program is the result of a cooperation between the University of Zurich (UZH), the Swiss…

Notes that understanding what "free software" means and its implications for access and use of new technologies is an important component of the new literacies. Concludes that if free speech and free press are essential to the development of a general literacy, then free software can promote the development of computer literacy. (SG)

In recent years, tertiary institutions in developed countries have made extensive use of Course Management Systems (CMSs), software packages designed to help educators create online learning communities. To date, however, such packages have been little used in higher education institutions (HEIs) in China. In this article, we describe the…

The proliferation of computer software for young children necessitates that early childhood teachers have the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and select developmentally appropriate software. This article describes the manner in which one university prepares early childhood teacher candidates to analyze software for the young children in…

This review of the literature on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) addresses the following topics: background and scope of CAI; current research on software and learner variables; current research on microcomputers and other delivery systems; meta analyses of the effectiveness of CAI; and methods for evaluating CAI programs. It is concluded that…

This study examined the collateral effects of WiggleWorks, an interactive literacy program, in two settings: a cohort study comparing random samples of grade 1-2 students (n=452) before and after software implementation and a longitudinal sample tracing students from Kindergarten to grade 1 (n=126). WiggleWorks contributed to greater student use…

Emphasizes that for the success of information technology (IT) implementation, teachers must have the information on how to use the technology before, during and after purchase. Discusses software evaluation; knowledge of expertise preconditions; onsite and remotely accessed IT support structures; and deployment, integration, and utilization. (AEF)

This report on machine translation contains a brief history of the field; a description of the processes involved; a discussion of systems currently in use, including three software packages on the market (Teaching Assistant, Translate, and Globalink); reflections on implications for teaching; observations of results obtained when elements of…

A practicum involved the creation of an instructional unit that used a microcomputer and a graphic writing program, Transportation Transformation, to motivate at-risk learners to write (focusing on creative stories) as well as to increase their writing. The target population consisted of fourth graders who were attending Birch Lane Elementary…

The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (GPLC) found an increasing need to provide computer-aided instruction (CAI) as a component of its curriculum, in particular to help staff and volunteers become computer literate. GPLC staff designed and taught two 12-week introductory computer courses for up to 20 (10 each) literacy staff and volunteers.…

The application of computer technology in qualitative research and evaluation ranges from simple word processing to doing sophisticated data sorting and retrieval. How computer software can be used for qualitative research is discussed. Researchers should consider the use of computers in data analysis in light of their own familiarity and comfort…

Encourages school library media specialists to explore the capabilities of hypermedia and hypertext, and lists books, articles, and guides for librarians to find out more about learning and utilizing this authoring language. Applications of hypermedia and hypertext in libraries and media centers are discussed. (20 references) (SD)

Presents four articles on the use of computer technology with young children: "Computers for Infants and Young Children" (David Elkind); "Using Technology to Enhance Early Learning Experiences" (Kirsten Haugen); "Creative Use of Technology with School-Agers" (Ina Lynn McClain); and "Evaluating and Selecting Software for Children" (Charles…