Research investigating the role of computers in the primary classroom is closely linked to the body of knowledge concerned with theories of learning and child development. Presents research as an attempt to provide scientifically supportable reasons why computers are effective in education and examines the educational application of cognitive…

Describes an information technology (IT) use survey of Post Graduate Certificate of Education students and staff from the University of Leeds (England). Assessments included students' initial and final IT confidence, IT activities and problems encountered, and the extent to which IT was used in teaching practice. (Author/AEF)

Presents a survey of CD-ROM use in public schools in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Highlights include library use of CD-ROMs, particular products, funding for these products, teacher and student interest, and future involvement with CD-ROM technology. (AEF)

Develops and tests hypotheses concerning the relationship of different media to psychological outcomes; postulates that print media are related to analytic cognition (reason) and electronic media to syncretic cognition (emotion). Two hundred forty magazine and television advertisements are analyzed in terms of attributes and reactions they invoke.…

This study surveyed the extent to which first-year elementary school teachers utilize 21 types of instructional media. Results indicated a preference for less complex formats, e.g., bulletin boards, posters, and pictures. Conclusions were drawn regarding the importance of instructional media utilization and media utilization courses for future…

Suggests that nonusers of academic libraries should be identified and studied because they are part of the same three groups they expect to attract: faculty, staff, and students. The results of the application of lifestyles research to public library user groups are reviewed, and their implications for academic library reference services are…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether the searching behavior of remote users of LIAS (Library Information Access System), Pennsylvania State University's online public access catalog (OPAC), differed from those using the OPAC within the library. Differences in search strategies and in user satisfaction are discussed. (eight…

Reports results of a preliminary evaluation of the New Connections Program, which provides free dial-up connections for certain kinds of institutions to NYSERNet (i.e., a regional computer network in New York State) and describes a plan for full evaluation of the program. The interview schedule, user log, and questionnaire are appended. (11…

Presents results of a survey that examined the use of networks by librarians in New England. Data are reported on networks used, personnel access, exposure to networks, use of electronic mail, use of lists and bulletin boards, remote access of text files and software, problems, improvements, and future uses. The questionnaire is appended. (20…

This study investigated technology use in California special education programs from the perspective of special education program administrators (n=292), special educators routinely using technology (n=302), and special educators not using technology (n=87). All groups, including nonusers, were enthusiastic about the benefits of technology for…

Describes a study that analyzed transaction logs of a search assignment conducted on MEDLINE by medical students at the University of Michigan. The relationship between levels of search experience and search skills, clinical knowledge, search outcome, and subsequent use level are examined. (Contains 21 references.) (LRW)

Arguing that the results of tool applications of microcomputers in school and business settings are often disappointing, this paper discusses the assumptions underlying tool application in computer-assisted instruction; reviews the literature; and suggests other learning strategies based on student participation and interaction in learning. (57…

Discusses features of online public access catalogs: (1) demonstration of relationships between records; (2) provision of entry vocabularies; (3) arrangement of multiple entries on the screen; (4) provision of access points; (5) display of single records; and (6) division of catalogs into separate files or indexes. User studies and other research…

An ongoing research project at the University of Alabama explores the term paper bibliographies of students receiving two different forms of library instruction. Two librarians score each bibliography for appropriateness and quality of sources. Results to date indicate that bibliographies of students receiving extra library instruction are not…

Describes a survey of users of ERIC and AGRICOLA databases in a midsized public university library. Statistics on the use of computerized and print resources, user reasons for choosing the computerized databases, and the percentage of inappropriate or borderline searches are presented; and implications for library services are drawn. (12…