Design, development and explorations of databases are popular topics covered in introductory courses taught at business schools. Microsoft Access is the most popular software used in those courses. Despite quite high complexity of Access, it is considered to be one of the most friendly database programs for beginners. A typical Access textbook…

Growing enrollment in distance education has increased student-to-lecturer ratios and, therefore, increased the workload of the lecturer. This growing enrollment has resulted in mounting efforts to develop automatic grading systems in an effort to reduce this workload. While research in the design and development of automatic grading systems has a…

Many education reporters are drawn to the beat because of its complexity and rich variety. Few topics provide such a wealth of political, business, human interest, breaking news, feature, and investigative stories. A reporter's day can start in a classroom with 4-year-olds struggling to learn to read, and end at a school board meeting with…

Mindtools are computer applications that, when used by learners to represent what they know, engage them in critical thinking. This article discusses computers as semantic organization (databases and semantic networking), dynamic modeling (spreadsheets, expert systems, systems modeling, microworlds), information interpretation, knowledge…

Good primary science is about children being engaged in questioning, exploring and interpreting--and enjoying the experience. Good ICT is where appropriate software, hardware and activities complement and support science activities. It is all too easy to see only the whizzes and bangs of the latest technology and forget about the learning…

This paper describes a National Science Foundation-sponsored project at Louisiana Technological University to develop computer-based laboratories for "hands-on" introductions to major topics of computer science. The underlying strategy is to develop structured laboratory environments that present abstract concepts through the use of…

There is an assumption that high-school students are becoming more computer literate, but published studies of specific skill level are lacking. An anonymous multiple-choice survey self-assessed the ICT (information and communication technology) skills of first-year chemistry students at the beginning of 2002. The general level of ICT skill…

This book focuses on designing instruction that integrates the use of computer assisted resources. There are 19 chapters in four parts. Part 1, "Strategies for Teaching with Standard Utility Software Programs," includes (1) "Paint Programs"; (2) "Graphic Organizers"; (3) "Graphing Programs"; (4)…

Reports a study that examined entering preservice teachers' prior experience in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software, based on self-reported information. Factors that influenced students' entering skills (for example, gender and computer experience) were noted. Survey data indicated that the subjects had little prior knowledge of…

This North Carolina project utilizes computer technology to engage students in activities that encourage them to become well-informed voters. The activities are organized into four separate modules. The first module contains student activities designed specifically for the 1992 Presidential election. These activities include: media research,…

Asserts that the story of Amelia Earhart holds an ongoing fascination for students. Presents an instructional unit using a spreadsheet to create a database about Earhart's final flight. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and eight graphics of student information or teacher examples. (CFR)

This document, which is designed to provide classroom teachers at all levels with practical ideas for a computer applications course, examines curricular considerations, teaching strategies, delivery techniques, and assessment methods applicable to a course focusing on applications of computers in business. The guide is divided into three…

This table illustrates when, why, and how computer-based information technology best lends itself to learning in science classrooms. It aims to illustrate the potential of this technology and some of the thinking and planning that is necessary for successful, effective classroom use. Application types include data collecting devices, spreadsheets,…

This book enables educators at the elementary level to conduct formative evaluations of their technology programs in minimum time. Most of the technology is computer related, including word processing, graphics, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, databases, instructional software, programming, and telecommunications. The design of the book is aimed…

A survey of 185 secondary mathematics teachers investigated their perceptions of expertise and curricular justifications for the classroom use of databases, spreadsheets, Logo and BASIC. The study determined that teachers who used software regularly tended to have shorter lengths of service, better qualifications, and were more likely to be male.…