Peer-to-peer (P2P) learning within two distinct groups of disadvantaged adults was studied during a two-hour computer skills workshop. Of interest was whether or not P2P learning with this population was a viable method for increasing performance and confidence. Two qualified instructors at two locations taught the same introductory…

Michael Gove has correctly lambasted the current curriculum for information and communication technology (ICT): his proposed solution is as wrong as the current curriculum, as findings from the Penceil Research Project on how to engage non-users of ICTs demonstrate. Learning how to use a word processor and a spreadsheet is a useful low-level…

Keyboarding skill is an important target for adult education programs due to the ubiquity of computers in modern work environments. A previous study showed that novice typists learned key locations quickly but that fluency took a relatively long time to develop. In the present study, novice typists achieved fluent performance in nearly half the…

Everyone knows that lack of internet access can reinforce the social and economic disadvantages already facing some older people. Recognising the divisive nature of digital exclusion, the government has invested 2.8 million British Pounds in Get Digital, a project that will enable sheltered housing residents to develop computer and internet…

Older adults ages 56-88 (n=12), some physically frail, were taught word processing and recorded their life histories. Older adults felt the same as a comparison younger group about ease of use, but were less confident in using computers without help. They were enthusiastic and demonstrated changes in general mental health and attitudes toward…

Assessment of 20 students who learned word processing through cooperative learning and 20 who used an individual learning method found that cooperative learning students learned faster, needed less teacher assistance, and earned higher scores. Most felt positive about the experience. (SK)

The author describes students' and lecturers' reactions to a five-day residential course for older adults. The course was designed to develop competence at word processing and familiarity with other computer applications. (CH)

The article notes principles of adult learning and lists computer software programs appropriate to the development of (1) reading, writing, and study skills; (2) career and job development; and (3) word processing and other computer skills. (DB)

This study compared the entry-level word processing enabling skills of 419 graduates from postsecondary schools in Alberta and compared the entry-level skills these individuals were taught with the enabling skills they were using within one year of employment. (JOW)

The aim of this field study was to assess the impact of word processors on teaching business and secretarial subjects in higher education, by determining the extent to which they are already used, and investigating the availability of equipment for teaching purposes. An additional aim was to learn the extent and methods of staff training. (Author)

Extension leadership articulated several broad goals for the use of microcomputers within cooperative extension. These included providing information, service to clients, office automation, and enhancement of the educational process. A questionnaire was administered regarding microcomputer use within Washington State University County Cooperative…

As educators become more interested in the use of qualitative methods, a major concern is the management of the large amounts of textual data during analysis. The efficiency and possibly the effectiveness of manual systems, i.e., color-coded index cards and wall-mounted systems, are reduced as the amount of textual data increases. An emerging…

The author discusses the movement toward professional workers' use of word processing as a way of increasing productivity. Implications for business educators are presented. (CH)

A study was conducted to determine whether deaf and hearing students generated different quantities of errors on word processing documents in a mainstreamed class. It also examined whether these students measured up to job-ready work quality standards. A literature review focused on the following topics: (1) needs assessment for deaf adult…

This manual is designed to introduce adults to microcomputers. It is planned for use with a series of five two-hour labs on Apple II or IIe computers, with participants expected to review sections and practice on a microcomputer between sessions. The goals are to have participants (1) understand how programing languages work, (2) understand the…