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)

Discussion of graduate programs in educational computing highlights six models of educational computing programs: (1) the computer science model, which stresses programing; (2) the educational psychology model; (3) the programed instruction model; (4) the instructional design model; (5) the information center model; and (6) the audiovisual…

Describes the Information Technology (IT) in Mathematics Project in Great Britain, which surveyed the extent to which IT was used in the teaching of mathematics and examined the extent to which IT skills could or should be taught within mathematics. Experiences with spreadsheets and LOGO are described. (seven references) (LRW)

Discusses the positive transfer of computer-related skills to new computer tasks and reviews transfer-related literature to provide recommendations to facilitate better transfer of students' skills from introductory computer classes to future needs. Topics addressed include course goals, user interfaces, problem solving, and software. (Contains 60…

The effects of home environment on achievement in and attitudes toward computer literacy was studied via administration of a 37-item computer-literacy questionnaire to 193 public school students in grades 5 through 10. Home environment was a better predictor of attitudes toward computer learning than it was for student achievement. (SLD)

Provides an introduction to capability issues in the United Kingdom and expands on the University of North London's capability curriculum. Explains the new software engineering module for computer science that incorporates the capability curriculum and discusses the need for a partnership between educators, employers, and the government to advance…

Demand for qualified and skilled computer science/computer support specialists will more than double between 1996 and 2006. Carnegie Technology Education (CTE), a non-profit business, has formed partnerships with ten community colleges, four-year colleges, companies and for profit institutions to provide Web-based faculty development and…

Purposes of this study were to determine: (1) if analogies and elaboration and placement of the analogies help novices learning a computer-programming language; (2) if students' mathematics ability influences programming learning; and (3) the interaction effects between analogy and mathematics ability. Subjects were 156 college students. Results…

Describes a study at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) that measured self-efficacy for computer use of teacher education students at the beginning of their course and again following a semester in which some students had completed computer courses. The amount of time spent using computers contributed most to the variance in…

With the development of XML Web Services, the Internet could become an integral part of and the basis for teaching computer science and software engineering. The approach has been applied to a university course for students studying introduction to computer science from the point of view of software development in a stateless, Internet…

The vast majority of complex engineering tasks in today's business world are completed using a team-oriented approach. Therefore, teaching collaborative skills to university students can be viewed as a practical means of enhancing their employability. With these goals in mind, the authors developed a network environment that helps Taiwanese…

The authors conducted ethnographic research to provide deep understanding of the learning environment of a selection of computer science classrooms at a large, research university in the United States. Categories emerging from data analysis included (1) impersonal environment and guarded behavior; and (2) the creation and maintenance of informal…

This study examined how midterm student ratings feedback provided to teaching assistants via a theory-based ratings instrument, combined with consultation on instructional practices, would affect teaching practices, ratings of teaching effectiveness, and student learning and motivation. The student ratings instrument that was employed focused on a…

This study investigated gender differences for college computer science majors in Taiwan. Subjects were college students enrolled in five universities offering computer science programs. A total of 940 valid questionnaires were collected, including 796 males (85%) and 144 females (15%). Significant gender differences were not found for most of the…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is apprenticeship for real-life problem solving, helping students acquire the knowledge and skills required in the workplace. Although the acquisition of knowledge and skills makes it possible for performance to occur, without self-efficacy the performance may not even be attempted. I examined how student…