Discusses ten ways that technology is being oversold and the implications for educators at all levels. Argues that while technology is considered a useful tool, sales tactics that stir fears of being antiquated and promise instant access to information, group participation, worldwide contacts, and time and money savings are misleading. (JPB)

"Cookies" are tiny Web browser helpers and are an example of how the useful can get tossed in with the dangerous through the near hysteria brought about by the real threats of computer viruses, hacking, spyware, spam and phishing. This article briefly discusses antispyware legislation by Congress and the pros and cons of past and future…

The attitudes and the self-efficacy that characterize learners relative to the Internet have been identified as important factors that affect learners' motivation, interests and performance in Internet-based learning environments. Meanwhile, learners' perceptions of the Internet may shape learners' attitudes and online behaviours. This study…

The aim of this paper is to examine various indicators associated with the development of a positive mind-set toward the use of technology for instruction. The paper also examines the resources available to help teachers keep pace with technological innovation. Electronic classrooms have some complexities associated with them; therefore, support…

Four hundred five college students completed a questionnaire that assessed patterns of Internet use. Results describe college students, with rare exception, as Internet users. The vast majority of college students frequently communicate online and access websites. While an Internet game experience is typical, relatively few college students are…

This paper investigates and compares the utilization of online resources to support teaching and learning in two different educational sectors with overlapping student groups in Scotland: secondary schools and further education (FE) colleges. The online "Core Skills" materials included Numeracy, Communication, Information Technology…

This article presents a quantitative study on gender differences in attitudes toward the usage of Information Technology (IT) related tools and applications. The study was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, with 73 female and 29 male student teachers involved as participants. They were each presented with a questionnaire to relate…

For some reason, the idea of the nature writer at work in the open air has been exalted, and it is difficult to think that writing about nature might be compatible with computers, the ultimate indoor toy. However, for students learning to write about nature, a networked computer environment may be the best place to be, not for replacing the…

Computer use among British 11-12 year-olds (n=364) and 15-16 year-olds (n=575) was compared with an earlier study. Boys still liked computers more and used them more confidently and frequently, especially for games. Older girls had the least positive attitudes. There were more age than gender differences in the use of specific applications.…

Describes results of a study that investigated development of attitudes toward computer utilization over time of a group of secondary school students from grade 8 to grade 11. Tests indicated that gains in attitudes were independent of gender, computer training, and computer course achievement. (Author/JKP)

This study of 902 boys and 828 girls in secondary school shows that gender differences in computer experience have a direct relationship to computer attitudes. Data gathered support the hypothesis that male students have more computer experience than female students and found boys showed more positive attitudes toward computers than girls. (64…

Reexamines the assumption that counseling interactions should be face-to-face, whereas other activities of guidance can be supported by the computer. Contends that human relationships will change but not necessarily diminish with computer use. Draws comparisons about ways in which open and distance learning have brought a reexamination of what is…

Presents a symposium on the impact of computers on culture. Argues that the computer has mathematized culture and that widespread risk aversion has been generated everywhere. Finds that the ways in which communication technologies are used in social contexts is a topic of concern to communication scholars. (PA)

Staff development should be a process in which members of an organization examine and improve their professional performance constantly. Specialists in staff development, with interest in the newer educational technologies, should resist the temptation to push technologies on colleagues and should foster critically reflective teamwork rooted in…

Addresses the current status and future presence of the Internet in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and provides a look at the reactions of two young, middle-class Saudi businessmen who were exposed to the Internet for the first time. (Author/AEF)