How teachers are able to adapt to a changing environment is essentially dependent on their beliefs and motivational orientations. The development of these aspects in the context of professional competence takes place during teachers' educational phase and professional practice. The overall understanding of professional competence for teaching…

This article deals with some aspects of studying Informatics in Russian schools. Those aspects are part of the "third dimension" of the Darmstadt model (they are also projected on the other two dimensions of this model) and include evolution of the subject, regulatory norms conforming to the Federal Educational Standards, the learning…

The main objective of our study is to determine the challenges faced during the process of teaching Computer Science in a university of a country in transition and make suggestions to improve this teaching process by perfecting the necessary conditions. Our survey builds on the thesis that we live in an information age; information technology is…

This paper examines the working philosophy of a university-community collaborative program--the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC), a multifaceted community service center located in the Northeast Neighborhood of South Bend, Indiana, in the United States. This program's multitude of educational and social services includes individualized…

When a core curriculum degree requirement in computer literacy was approved at Hardin-Simmons University (a small, private institution), a committee of faculty members developed the course specifications. They include a weekly one-hour lecture and a two-hour laboratory to achieve eight educational goals. These goals and the course format are…

As part of the Electrical Engineering program at the Univesity of Southern Maine, students are typically introduced to Two's Complement algebra and representation, a method to include negative numbers in the binary representation of integers that is widely used in microprocessors and related digital systems. The traditional, procedural method to…

The authors argue that definitions of computer literacy are too broad and that the term "computer competence" more usefully addresses questions of knowledge and skills. A taxonomy of computer competence, comprised of four levels, is proposed, and its uses for elementary through higher education are discussed. (MT)

The Computer Awareness Program at Pennsylvania State University centers around 21 courses that provide the user community with a common understanding of computer technology. (MLF)

Today, undergraduate students enter college with increasingly more sophisticated computer skills compared to their counterparts of 20 years ago. However, instructors are still using traditional instructional strategies to teach this new generation. This research study examines strategies that instructors employ to teach introductory computer…

This report describes an evaluation of Computer Literacy, which is an undergraduate general studies course, offered by College of Education at a large southwestern university. The purpose of this course is to provide knowledge about computer and computing, and application skills in using Microsoft Office software. The course is coordinated by a…

Describes several different metaphors to help educators develop constructive approaches to understanding computer applications for teaching and learning. These include the computer as person, tool, brain, map, glass box, vitamin, palette, mentor, and catalyst. Computer-as-palette, for example, considers computer use in facilitating human…

The gap between male and female participation in elective mathematics is now being replicated in computer classes. School districts implementing computer education programs should take action to ensure sex equity. (MLF)

Examines many imprecise definitions being given to the term "computer literacy," proposing a universal standard of interpretation which required minimal understanding and ability in programing. The proposed definition focuses on computer structure/operation as well as computer applications and limitations. Differing viewpoints for including…

Analyzes the discourse of Logo lessons and suggests that successful learning of Logo concepts may involve a careful structuring of the teaching context. (SR)

In its second decade of education reform and its third cycle of national ICT master plans, Thailand struggles to transform its aspirations into practice. This paper chronicles three decades of Thailand's ICT national plans and their relation to education reform. It also discusses the effect of global trends, Asian cultures, and Thai cultures on…