Reports on a study of the characteristics of interactions in the computer conferences on "TeleNex", a computer network for the professional development of English as Second Language (ESL) teachers in Hong Kong. A framework of message analysis is described and results of a user questionnaire are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Examines the use of technology under two different contexts: university courses for future middle school teachers, and middle school classrooms. Emphasizes the need for young adolescents to become technologically literate. Discusses different programs to help middle school students learn how to use technology, and at the same time helping them…

Examines the acquisition and use of computers in early childhood programs, focusing on the developmental appropriateness of computers for young children, compatibility and selection problems, and budgetary constraints. Also discusses classroom computer issues, such as location, usage, software selection, and gender equity. (MDM)

Based on two rules--be patient, and begin in nonthreatening areas--this basic introduction to computer and Internet use for teachers covers selecting software, the Internet, online training, online forums, and finding curriculum. Six teachers share experiences, advice, and their favorite online resources and educational applications. Numerous…

Compares the negative attitudes of professors toward pressure to integrate information technology to similar reactions to audiovisual materials 30 years ago. Presents a case study conducted at the University of Central Florida, outlining student and teacher reactions to Web-based courses. Suggests that faculty should maintain a proactive outlook…

A survey of 963 undergraduates and 27 faculty members in the University of Alberta (Canada) teacher education program found that computers were most often used as a personal productivity tool and not integrated into the curriculum. Deterrents to use of instructional technology by university staff were lack of funding, lack of time to learn new…

This paper reports on the use of an online, resource-based learning (RBL) approach in first year psychology at Deakin University. Differences between on- and off-campus students that emerged are examined in the context of the learning goals and study approaches of the two student groups and their attitudes to using computers. Unlike the on-campus…

The current paper examines the design process that led to an unusually successful interactive tutorial for older people. The paper describes the issues that make designing for older people different. These include differences between the designer and the target population and the difficulty that older people have in interacting with low-fidelity…

Intercultural competence has acquired an important role in the foreign language classroom. However, we must also come to terms with assessing this highly complex construct if we consider it as a superordinate learning objective. Therefore the components of intercultural communicative competence that go beyond knowledge, especially attitudes,…

This practicum was designed to address the problem of computer anxiety and minimal computer usage among preservice teachers. An integrated curriculum was designed based on guidelines from the International Society for Technology in Education, in an attempt to require computer use by students for course assignments and instruction. Workshops…

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) has become increasingly common in large-scale testing programs. This paper considers relevant practical issues that are likely to be faced by the developers and managers of a CAT program. The first cluster of issues is that of item pool development and maintenance. It includes such considerations as item pool…

This evaluation of the Learning Enhancement with Information Technology project examined the impact of the introduction of an information technology initiative on students' and teachers' attitudes toward computing and students' learning. The evaluation was designed as a case study involving Palmerston North Girls' High School (PNGHS) and a matched…

A state-by-state survey of technology in the schools was conducted during the spring of 1998. Responses were received from district technology coordinators in more than 1,990 school districts out of approximately 3,668 that were sent surveys in the following 21 states that achieved response rates of at least 40% of their districts: Alaska,…

An interactive tool was created to gauge the skills and attitudes of individuals and populations regarding computer technology and its attendant changes. The goal of the project was to develop a non-threatening, user-friendly instrument to assess the computer skills and attitudes of preservice and inservice teachers and administrators at all…

This paper describes the Reading Language Arts Technology Institute at California Lutheran University (CLU), a two-unit continuing education course to develop teacher content area knowledge in ways that effectively utilize technology in K-12 reading instruction. Goals included: to enhance the teaching of reading and language arts; to better…