A study to identify instructional methodologies that business educators (n=167) use to teach microcomputer software skills found that demonstrations, simulations, and self-paced learning are most effective; most acquire skills through self-instruction; educators are likely to teach the way they learned; and there is a need for training in…

Describes the use of the Flesch readability and interest formulae to evaluate textbooks intended for use in college level introductory educational computing courses. Variables that influence what textbook is chosen for a college course are discussed, and readability scores, human interest categories, and subject matter coverage are examined in…

Discusses the results of an ongoing research study to measure college students' microcomputer literacy before taking a microcomputer course. A brief review of the literature on computer literacy is provided, a comparative analysis of results is given, and a microcomputer literacy index is described that measures literacy and ranks students.…

Discusses results of a survey of undergraduate students that investigated their current knowledge of computers and the level of knowledge they would like to have. Attitudes of students who had prior computer courses or who owned a computer were found to be more positive than those of students who did not. (27 references) (LRW)

The ability of the theory of reasoned action to predict computer-related attitudes and behavior was demonstrated through two studies: a questionnaire on computer behaviors and attitudes; and word processing training involving various levels of persuasive communication based on belief statements identified in the first study. (22 references) (MES)

Describes a study of first-year students at a university in Scotland that was conducted to determine their use of computers at home and in school, their knowledge about information technology, and reasons for not studying computing. Results are compared with two earlier studies to examine gender-related differences over time. (Contains 12…

Results of a survey of fourth and fifth grade teachers regarding computer use are reported in the following areas: educational background and comfort level; perceptions about improving computer implementation; knowledge of the computer curriculum; instructional planning sources; and views on accountability in computer education. The questionnaire…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the computer backgrounds of students enrolled in a teacher credential program. Specifically, this study attempted to determine if a person's computer background had any influence on attitude towards computer use, willingness to pursue further formal instruction in computer education, interest in using…

Describes a survey of students at a large university and a random sample of faculty at accounting accredited schools that investigated the use of microcomputers in accounting curricula. Topics discussed include work values and computer education, student and teacher attitudes toward computers, and differences between upper division and lower…

This report examines the achievement and enrollment of students at the Central Computers Unlimited Magnet High School in Kansas City, Missouri, through its third year of operation. The school offers special emphasis in computer science and technology including programming, maintenance, and operations. The evaluation design focuses on the…

This evaluation examines the progress made in the areas of achievement and enrollment by students at the Central Middle Magnet School in the Kansas City, Missouri, School District after the Computers Unlimited program had been in operation for 4 years. The evaluation design used data on student demographics gathered from the Research Office of the…

Describes a study that was conducted to investigate the influence of home computer ownership and use on the achievement of second- and fifth-grade students in a programing curriculum. The use of LOGO and BASIC programing curricula is discussed, and results are compared to those from an earlier study. (20 references) (LRW)

Discusses strategies for teaching elementary computer programing and describes a study that used two instructional strategies in a computer-based training program designed to teach turtle graphics programing techniques to novice undergraduate students. Learning activities that emphasized either the completion of existing programs or the generation…

Two Computers Unlimited elementary magnet schools have completed their first year of operation as part of the Long-Range Magnet School Plan in the Kansas City School District. The curriculum for the Computers Unlimited theme emphasizes basic skills, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. This formative evaluation report addresses the…

Forty-one small liberal arts colleges were visited during the 1997-98 school year in order to talk to key information technology staff and to see computing facilities. A survey containing 15 factual and 10 open-ended questions was used to gather information. This paper presents findings in the following areas and comparison with results of a…