In evaluating IMAGE, an open-ended computer assisted learning program designed to enable English children to produce, modify, and print artwork created on the computer, teachers' perceptions of the program were focused on what the software package can do and what can be learned from using the program. Eighty teachers utilized the package in their…

This report describes a program for formulating and implementing a staff development plan for technology within the Lake Forest School District (Delaware). The study focused on increasing teacher use of technology, primarily computers, through increased staff development. Attitudinal changes toward the use of technology were also investigated. Two…

To learn more about students' computer-literacy levels and attitudes about computer use, a pilot study was performed in the summer of 1993 to evaluate the computer literacy of first-year students entering the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. A survey was completed by 444 incoming students during their orientation programs. The majority had some…

Besides a host of technical and logistical questions, more subtle issues, related to teachers' pedagogical visions and beliefs, as well as their perceived confidence for using technology, are also known to impede meaningful classroom technology use. Assuming that most designers and staff developers are fairly well prepared to provide technical…

A study explored the implications of the information economy of the late 1990s for American workers, focusing on workers' experience with computers in the workplace, workers' perceptions about their future in the information economy, and the role of government in the information age. Research data were gathered through a survey of 1,005 adults…

The Mass Communication and Society section of the Proceedings contains the following 17 papers: "Interactivity and the 'Cyber-Fan': Audience Involvement within the Electronic Fan Culture of the Internet" (Vic Costello); "A Reassessment of the Relationship between Public Affairs Media Use and Political Orientations" (Kim A.…

Research reports and articles on the effectiveness of technology in the student learning environment reflect a variety of opinions and conclusions. Educators who are making decisions about the use of technology will want to examine research results with the following questions in mind: Do research results and expert opinions support the continued…

This study investigated cross-nationally preservice teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of computers and technology in improving education. Participants were undergraduate education students from the United States and Taiwan; 180 students from each country were randomly selected. A survey instrument that identified types and amounts of…

This study investigated student teachers' perception and practice regarding computer use during the practicum in terms of their teaching styles. The following questions were investigated: (1) What are the student teachers' perceptions of the teachers' role in the classroom with computers, measured in terms of teacher-centeredness and…

Questions the use and adaptation of computers in the classroom as a panacea for all educational ills. Specifically notes that much of the nature and content of social studies instruction requires class interaction rather than computer instruction. Praises computers as instructional supplements rather than substitutes. (MJP)

Discusses gender differences in computer literacy and the unsuccessful integration of computer technology and its impact on girls and minorities. Describes a study of fourth graders that investigated attitudes toward books, television, and computers; home access to computers; changes in computer confidence; and links between inequitable access and…

Examined computer attitudes of elementary education students over a 10-year period. Found that the more recent elementary education majors had more prior computer experience and lower computer anxiety than those entering a program earlier in the 10-year period; and that male elementary education majors had higher computer anxiety than female ones.…

Argues that acquisition of computer technology by public schools will make entrepreneurs and bankers rich without improving educational quality. Evidence of commercial interest in promoting technology and educator interest in acquiring technology is given. Comparisons of educational achievement in America and other countries and suggestions for…

Presents the results of a study that surveyed 350 Australian secondary teachers concerning their experiences and attitudes about computers. As hypothesized, computer anxieties were inversely related to the quality of prior computer learning experiences. Recommends approaches for the reduction of computer anxiety among teachers. (MJP)

Describes a pilot project incorporating extensive use of computers in mathematics instruction. Test scores and homework from this group were compared with a group that did not use computers. Results were inconclusive and only revealed a shortage of appropriate instructional software. (MJP)