This book explores the meaning of computer technology in schools. The book is based on data gathered from a two-year observation of more than 30 different classrooms in an urban high school: geometry classes in which students used artificially intelligent tutors; business classes in which students learned word processing; and computer science…

The contributions and limitations of computer technology in the presentation of grammar drills, particularly in a second language, are examined by comparing and contrasting the new technology with traditional textbook instruction. It is noted that, in many ways, computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is a derivative form of traditional…

This paper briefly describes an assignment designed to improve teachers' attitudes toward technology through basic instruction. A group of teachers who were taking graduate level courses were introduced to computer technology in a non-threatening manner starting with learning the basic computer skills, such as e-mail, word processing, and…

This research, based on nationwide telephone surveys of voters, state legislators and legislative staff, and high-level business executives, addressed the priority that respondents place on computers/technology in public education, the perceived benefits--and drawbacks--of computers in public education, and the expectations that respondents have…

This report provides data from a survey of a nationally representative sample of more than 2,000 public- and private-school teachers of 4th through 12th grade regarding Internet use by teachers and students. Information is provided about: (1) teachers' access to the Internet; (2) frequency of different Internet uses, including teachers' uses and…

A study conducted in two undergraduate classes found that the World Wide Web was perceived by students and instructors as a valuable classroom tool but that significant barriers to its adoption existed, including access restrictions, inadequate training, difficulty logging on, poor keyboarding skills, difficulty reading screens, getting lost in…

Explored responses to interactive multimedia by 3- to 5-year-olds through examination of verbal and facial expressions, use of mouse, body movement, attitudes toward multimedia, and teacher comments. Found great interest in using the technology and little difficulty in adjusting to developmentally appropriate materials, which has implications for…

Advocates the assessment of teachers' technology skills by school media and technology specialists who are involved in staff training. Discusses what should be assessed, including level of curricular integration and attitudes; assessment objectives; informal assessments; formal assessments; assessment tools; and administrators as role models for…

Recent educational reforms in China are placing increasing emphasis on the integration of new technologies in the English language curriculum. At the same time, a debate has begun concerning the effectiveness of Information Technology (IT) usage in transforming language pedagogy in the Chinese context. In response to points made in the discussions…

This paper discusses the key findings of an investigation of e-learning computer systems and the establishment of a technology framework for a new generation of e-learning applications. The paper initially reviews an e-learning system case study (a core university and a number of associated institutions named Global Campus) which incorporates: (i)…

The purpose of this study was to examine how variables related to computer availability, computer comfort and educational software are associated with higher or lower levels of science literacy in the USA, Finland and Mexico, after controlling for the socio-economic status of the students. The analyses for this study were based on a series of…

In this chapter the authors attempt to sketch the general outlines of the characteristics typical of students' attitudes toward the new information technologies. They touch on the following three aspects: (1) The place of the computer in the structure of leisure time of today's adolescent; (2) The role played by the new information technologies in…

The present chapter includes three sections. In the first section the authors touch on general matters that have to do with the array of problems of the use of the new information technologies in the school education process. In the second section, drawing on empirical materials obtained in their sociological survey, the authors look at the…

This book describes the newest jobs for which people should train and prepare, as well as exploring where the United States is going as a country, a society, and a people. It is designed to help new job seekers as well as veteran workers find a place in the new wave of work, the "digital frontier." The book is organized in two sections. Section I…

A case study was conducted to seek improved understanding of processes related to teachers' adoption of two classroom-based computer technologies--networked computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and desktop computer multimedia resources--at a selected magnet elementary school. A Stages of Concern Questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data,…