Reports on a study conducted to evaluate how individual differences in anxiety levels affect performance on computer versus paper-and-pencil forms of verbal sections of the Graduate Record Examination. Contrary to the research hypothesis, analysis of scores revealed that extroverted and less computer anxious subjects scored significantly lower on…

Discusses contemporary attitudes about the use of technology in education, including students' intimidation by technology, the challenge to the profession of teaching to include new methods, the changing role of the teacher, and using technology to improve the quality of higher education. (LRW)

Describes a study conducted at an English secondary school that used a computer attitude questionnaire to examine gender differences in the attitudes of students and teachers toward information technology. Computer attitude subscales are described, and a list of items in each subscale of the questionnaire is appended. (LRW)

A survey of 205 family and consumer-sciences majors showed that 68% have access to computers; 58% of those with computers felt their skills were good to excellent; computer attitudes (confidence, ease, enjoyment) were related to self-reported skill levels; and 62.9% were interested in taking a Web-based course. (SK)

Examines the computer-related attitudes and attainments of 48 primary (6-11 years) school-aged children. Results show boys hold more favorable attitudes towards computers than girls. Boys hold more positive attitudes and achieve higher levels of computer-related attainment than girls. (Author/AEF)

Suggests these teaching strategies for reducing computer anxiety of adult learners and enhancing the opportunity for learning: use humor whenever possible; demystify the computer; determine students' fears; begin with the basics; avoid computer jargon; measure instructional pace; avoid stimulus overload and instructions that sound like warnings;…

This study examined levels of techophobia, described as negative psychological reactions toward technology, in a sample of South African university students. Describes use of the NEO-Five Factor Inventory and reports results that show techophobia was inversely correlated with computer experience, weakly correlated with age, but not associated with…

A study of 91 college students aged 20-27, representing the mid-range of the Generation-X cohort, examined their technological attitudes, knowledge, and usage in comparison to those of the Baby Boom cohort. Generational differences in technology learning experiences, information-seeking behaviors, and comfort with technology and technological…

Examines the degree to which computer and test anxiety have a predictive role in performance across three computer-administered placement tests. Subjects (72 undergraduate students) were measured with the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale, the Test Anxiety Inventory, and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Results suggest that much of what is considered…

Argues the limits of reductionism vis-a-vis computational-algorithmic approaches to music education and computers. Presents four paradoxes to support the notion of the mind as more complex than a cognitive device that could be simulated by computers. Warns about the limits of computational devices and false notions of an all-encompassing…

Investigated the attitudes and opinions of students in grades five through 12 with and without learning disabilities regarding the use of computers for school-related work. Results of pre- and post-tests and attitude surveys support the notion that students with disabilities could be successfully included in computer-based instruction in general…

Explores 149 elementary school teachers' personal experiences with instructional computing and the role of computers they would like to see in classroom instruction. Teachers' responses to a survey questionnaire revealed significant differences and positive correlation between teachers' present computer training, level of comfort, and computer…

Examines what the term "information society" really means and investigates how it is related to national computer plans (NCPs). Analysis of several NCPs indicates that nations are more concerned with a general need to bolster and improve their national economies than in encouraging social transformation. (JKP)

Analyzes the nature of computer misuse. Addresses issues that deal with managing and controlling computer misuse that will help in developing ethical practices to minimize computer misuse. Argues that by addressing ethical issues at both formal and informal levels, the risks associated with information technology usage can be minimized.…

Describes the United Kingdom Open University's FirstClass(TM) Computer conferencing system and its role in student support, taking as an example the way it is used for course choice. Suggests that while there are students who use it freely and apparently derive benefit from it, there are also substantial issues to be addressed about its relative…