Preservice teachers do not feel prepared to teach mathematics using technology (Smith & Shotsberger, 2001). To address this issue, we have developed a tool-based categorization of mathematics software and used it to instruct preservice teachers. Changes in thinking that occurred as a result of the course are analyzed primarily using repertory grid…

The appropriate use of technology in education is one viable solution to the challenge of training students for the Information Age. Benefits and barriers are presented in this paper. Benefits include improved student performance and behavior, and an efficient manner of procuring information. An additional benefit is the global awareness and…

In order to determine preservice teachers' reflective thinking and concerns as they addressed the complexities of supporting and augmenting their students' literacy instruction through computer activities, a systematic qualitative inquiry was conducted. The study was conducted in three schools within the same school district in south Mississippi.…

This survey of faculty attitudes toward technology calls for more critical dialogue on the uses, effects and hidden costs of information technology in the classroom and the national political economy. A survey was administered to 250 faculty members (135 were returned) at a northeastern university. The comments of respondents fell into two main…

This study examined the impact of a technology course on in-service teachers. Teachers' comfort level, beliefs, confidence, and attitude toward the use of technology were investigated. The impact of the course with different degrees of technology integration was also researched. The results indicate that the course increased students' comfort…

This paper examines the effectiveness of increasing the confidence of preservice teachers in using technology for personal and instructional purposes as a result of participating in an introductory educational technology course offered at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education. Course participants attended sections designed for…

This study was an investigation of a microcomputer system which was developed to administer, score, analyze, and produce a written report for the Peabody picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R). The variables of reliability, age, gender, level of previous experience with microcomputers, preference for manual or computerized test administration,…

Recently, attempts have been made to use Weblog and other personal webpublishing technologies to support individual and social reflection in higher education. Due to Weblog's highly individual and reflective nature, students' experiences and perceptions of the technology and practice is of primary importance in furthering its educational use. In…

A five-year longitudinal study of undergraduate use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) found that student attitudes were stable, despite technological change; student expectations had increased; and student utilization of CMC was still primarily for course-related information. The study concluded that CMC can be best used as a complement…

Reports on a study that investigated the collaborative interaction patterns exhibited by five-year-old preprimary children in a multimedia educational computer environment in Perth, Australia. Discusses software appropriateness; preexisting computer competency and computer attitudes; friendship between collaborators; social goals; learning…

A study on gender and computer use surveyed 773 ninth-grade students from Tokyo (Japan) and from Stockholm (Sweden). Regardless of country, males reported higher scores of aptitude with and enjoyment of computers than females did. Overall, boys also showed more positive attitudes toward mathematics and sciences; girls consistently reported…

Examines the applicability of Kuhlthau's Information Search Process Model in the context of a virtual learning environment at the University of North Texas that used virtual collaborative software. Highlights include cognitive and affective aspects of information seeking; computer experience and confidence; and implications for future research.…

This study describes the development of the Children's Attitude toward Technology Scale (CATS) with 574 children in a rural school district. Discuses differences between elementary and middle school students, gender differences, interest and aptitude, and alternative preferences (for videos and books). (Author/LRW)

Reviews three articles that discuss the ways gender issues and personal characteristics impact computer use. One paper proposes an alternative to using Likert-style attitude measures to study the computer gender gap, and two articles discuss the personal characteristics of teachers that influence computer use. Related studies are mentioned and…

Describes a study of first-year students at a university in Scotland that was conducted to determine their use of computers at home and in school, their knowledge about information technology, and reasons for not studying computing. Results are compared with two earlier studies to examine gender-related differences over time. (Contains 12…