Describes a four-phase chemistry activity designed to offer students an opportunity to gain and practice skills in research, written and verbal communication, database creation and use, and to work as part of a problem-solving team. (ZWH)

Identifies three basic types of students of technical writing who fear writing with a computer. Offers suggestions to encourage them (and all technical writing students) to at least become more comfortable and current with writing technology. (SR)

The basic educational requirements desired by businesses of new employees and the relationship of the computer to their work were determined through site visits to 17 businesses. Employers wanted microcomputer proficiency, excellent communication skills, analytical and interpersonal skills, and background in word and data processing and…

Conducted two experiments to determine whether scores on computerized test would differ significantly from scores on paper-and-pencil format. College students (Study 1, n=24; Study 2, n=400+) completed the Verbal Reasoning test of the Differential Aptitude Tests. Results showed reduced performance on computerized version of test. Reduced…

The University of Guelph's experiences in using computer-based instruction and computer conferencing to make education accessible to distant learners illustrate how such problems as computer anxiety, technical difficulties, and technical delays affect access and learning. (SK)

Review of the research literature indicates that sex differences favor males in overall computer use, course enrollments, programing and games but few sex differences in computer applications. Explanations focus on sex-based differences in expected outcomes arising from cultural beliefs. Eight strategies for increasing female participation are…

Describes step-by-step procedures for taking apart a disk drive on an Apple microcomputer for a student demonstration. Lesson preparation is discussed, the use of small groups of students is recommended, and suggestions for teaching the lesson are given. (LRW)

Presents a conceptual analysis of self-efficacy and reviews the literature on self-efficacy in the microcomputer environment. Topics addressed include self-efficacy versus other theories; efficacy versus outcome expectations; and sources of efficacy information, including performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and…

Among 123 undergraduates in a computer literacy course, the following factors were related to self-perceived computer literacy: gender, prior computer skills, and a high level of familiarity with spreadsheets. (SK)

Offers an overview and schema for understanding frequently used network technologies available for Online Writing Labs (OWLs)--electronic mail, gopher, World Wide Web, newsgroups, synchronous chat systems, and automated file retrieval systems. Considers ways writing centers' choices among these technologies are impacted by user access, network…

Considers whether laptop and handheld computers will be able to replace printed textbooks in classrooms. Topics cover benefits of classroom computers, including the need for computer literacy; computer costs, including service contracts, theft, and the need for staff development; the problems with dated textbooks; publishers' concerns; and…

Presents a model that provides guidelines that colleges and universities can follow when including technology in their music-degree requirements. Discusses the role of technology in music education, especially as related to the National Association of Schools of Music guidelines. Includes a glossary of technical terms used in the article. (DSK)

Presents a national survey of media use showing a huge gain for Internet use in the last four years and decline for television news and newspapers. Finds that Internet users are more likely than non-users to be newspaper readers and radio news listeners. Concludes that the Internet is not the cause of the decline in use of the other media. (SC)

Discusses the public's growing ignorance about the value and capability of libraries. Topics include information skills, including measuring accuracy and authenticity of computer-based information; false expectations; the information explosion; and the need for a new literacy that includes information literacy, cultural literacy, computer…

Examines the extent of changes in basic computer literacy of incoming undergraduate business students in 1996 and determines whether these changes are statistically significant compared to skills in 1990. Results support the notion that computer skills are being acquired by students at early ages; the rate of change will be faster with time. (AEF)