This paper presents a case study of an "e-pal" experiment which suggests that negative assumptions and orientations toward computer technology for communication purposes can be altered through one-to-one peer relationships. The experiment was conducted through a communication seminar at a small private university in the Northwest.…

The student who has an understanding of computers and other modern technologies is becoming important in college and in the workplace. Two California State Universities now require a personal computer for incoming freshmen. Vice President Albert Gore has urged all Americans to get on the information superhighway. Parents can assist their child and…

This practicum was developed to help educators overcome their uncomfortableness when using a computer. Seven adult educators were avoiding using the computers purchased for them to use in their classroom with their students. These seven adult educators showed on a survey that they were very uncomfortable using computers and were unable to perform…

Explores the relationship between attitudes toward computers and computer use, as well as the most effective types of training for faculty. Increasing faculty competence will encourage computer use in the classroom. Ideally, training should be designed for each individual's level of anxiety, liking, and confidence when using computers. Encouraging…

One of the most relevant issues in classrooms today is the incorporation of technology, specifically computers, into classroom instruction. A review of the literature reveals that six of the most important variables in determining the degree to which teachers integrate computers into their instruction and planning are knowledge, anxiety, personal…

This practicum was designed to lessen the computer anxiety of early childhood education majors enrolled in General Curriculum or General Methods courses, to assist them in learning more about computer applications, and to increase the amount of time spent using computers. Weekly guidelines were given to the students, and a hands-on approach was…

Describes a study that examined potential predictor variables and their relationship to computer aversion among preservice teachers. It was hypothesized that prior experience, ownership of a personal computer, and critical thinking ability would be negatively related to computer aversion, and that an introductory computer literacy course would…

Defines the digital homeless as those middle-aged persons running schools, businesses, and the country who are lacking in computer and technology skills and uses. Describes the efforts of the American Technology Honor Society (ATHS), a student group whose mission is to share technological knowledge with peers, teachers, administrators, and the…

The factors influencing students' decisions not to use computers during their education are explored, using focus-group interviews with 96 secondary and college students in the United Kingdom. Three main constructs underlying students' rejection of educational computing are defined, and how educational computing can be reconstructed is discussed.…

This study is an interim follow-up to an investigation of how computer use influences the writing process used by high school students on a direct writing assessment (Wolfe and others, 1994). Whether students with less comfort and experience with word processors would receive lower scores on word-processed essays than those with more comfort and…

A survey of elementary, middle/junior high, and high school principals in central Appalachia examined their use of e-mail and factors influencing that use. The survey was sent to a stratified random sample of 620 principals in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia; 375 usable responses were received. Respondents provided data on…

The majority of teacher candidates feel unprepared to teach with computers, and few teacher training programs are preparing future educators to effectively use the Internet to enrich their classrooms and contribute to their own personal development. The purpose of this study was to teach the procedural knowledge required to navigate the Internet…

New electronic technologies provide powerful tools for managing and processing the rapidly increasing amounts of information available for learning; teachers, however, have often been slow in integrating computers into the curriculum. This study addresses the question of how prospective teachers construct affective and cognitive models about…

Recent research in early childhood education (ECE) centers suggests that some teacher characteristics are not at a level that would support computer learning opportunities for children. This study identified areas of support required by teachers to provide a smooth introduction of the computer into the early childhood education classroom.…

This study examined specific classroom events and teaching practices that promoted positive attitudes and emotions by students in college computer courses. Analysis of student journals and interviews indicated specific classroom events and teaching practices lessened students' computer anxiety, promoted understanding of computers, and increased…