This paper presents results of a 23-day observation of 36 girls in all-girl math and computer classes at a public school's enrichment summer session for at-risk girls. Ages of the students observed ranged from 12 to 18. The students observed came to school with a long history of truancy, from homes where they suffered neglect and abuse. School was…

As educational institutions continue to explore e-learning alternatives and as people continue to choose e-learning over traditional programs, additional empirically-supported research is required to understand the impacts and implications of e-learning. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of age and efficacy on computer usage…

The paper describes a participant observation study of a 3 week summer art program for Apache middle school students on the White Mountain Reservation. Computer art skills, specifically animation using a menu-driven computer paint program, were the focus of the investigation. Because it was in the context of a summer program, instruction was…

To gain the perspective of nine students currently being prepared to become teachers, this study used semi-structured interviews to examine their beliefs about computer-based educational technology. Areas for study included their views on the role of technology in the K-12 classroom, as well as their beliefs about their own skills in using…

As students ponder their use of the new technologies in schools and at home, what issues are raised for librarians and teachers? Do teens exaggerate their confidence and competence as they report their perceptions of using technology? In this study, four 16 year olds discussed their personal experiences in using the Internet for work and for…

Reports the results of a study of 65 United Kingdom primary school children that examined the effect of software type by comparing children's performance on a male stereotyped version of the software with a female stereotyped version. Topics include computer attitudes, computer experience, and software preferences. (Author/LRW)

This study examined 117 undergraduates' perceptions of ability at computer programming and word processing. In particular, it rated the importance of prior experience factors, keyboarding skills, and personal attributes such as enjoyment of problem solving. Those were discovered, in general, to be more important than formal training or aptitude in…

Three studies were conducted in New Zealand with preschool children and high school students which examined computer attitudes and the effect of particular gender views on exploratory behavior. Results suggest that high school affirmative action programs are working, more female role models are needed, and efforts need to include young children.…

In the euphoria about new technologies in distance education there exists the danger of not sufficiently considering how ever increasing "virtualization" may exclude some student groups. An explorative study was conducted that asked disabled students about their experiences with using computers and the Internet. Overall, those questioned…

Tests the effects of Web page design instruction on improving computer self-efficacy of preservice teachers. Various computer experiences, including weekly computer use, weekly Internet use, and use frequencies of word processing, e-mail, games, and presentation software were significantly related to computer self-efficacy. Use frequencies of word…

Outlines the development of information technology (IT) in education in Hong Kong from its beginnings in the 1980s. Reports on how Hong Kong's schools have moved toward online learning and analyzes difficulties they have been encountering in the process. Suggests that the major impediment to technology integration in education comes from beliefs…

Videotaped four- to eight-year olds as they interacted with computer software at different levels of developmental appropriateness. Facial expressions and other affective behaviors were analyzed as a function of age, presence of a peer, and appropriateness of software. Found that responses were mediated more by age, gender, and social condition…

Investigated the changes in attitudes toward computers in 803 Japanese first and second graders who were exposed to computers in school. Found that children who used computers tended to like them more than children who did not use computers. The findings failed to provide evidence that computer use improved intellectual activities such as…

Describes a study of high school students that examined gender differences in mathematics experience and attitudes as well as the association between math attitudes and computer attitudes. Results indicate a positive correlation between math experiences and attitudes and computer attitudes; and boys had more math experience and more positive…

Describes a study of the multimedia constructions of children 8-10 years of age, composed of both acoustic and visual elements. Suggested that arts provide a great deal of interest to children in the acquisition of computer literacy and that links need to be made between existing curricula and corresponding computer applications. (AA)