Describes how computers are being integrated into the English department of Utah State University to support the "writing track," the production of texts, and teacher training. (PRA)

Asserts that the assessment of students' ability to use computers should be central to educational computing research, but most studies have relied on vague definitions of what constitutes computer-use ability. Argues that definitions need to be clarified before further research is conducted. Raises methodological issues for further research. (DSK)

Recognizing educational technology's four major uses helps assess its value. Technology can improve administrative effectiveness through efficient communication, planning, and record keeping; provide learners with cost-effective access to current, accurate, and extensive information resources; provide teachers with enabling tools and resources;…

Discusses Internet domain naming practices and indicates which Web search engines can effectively search on domain names. Explains top-level domain (TLD) (ex. http://www.access.gpo.gov - ".gov" = top level; ".gpo" = second level; ".access" = third level; and "www" = fourth level domain). Outlines seven new…

Administered a questionnaire focusing on examinees' computer familiarity to 90,000 Test of English as a Foreign Language test takers. A group of 1,200 low-computer-familiar and high-computer-familiar examinees' worked through a computer tutorial and a set of TOEFL test items. Concludes that no evidence exists of an adverse relationship between…

Discusses information literacy and information-technology literacy, focusing on the responsibility of academic libraries to impart necessary skills. A sidebar by Kimberley M. Donnely "Learning from the Teaching Libraries" gives examples of four models of information-literacy development by colleges and universities. (AEF)

Describes the development of a special set of tutorials for training nonnative English speakers to take a computerized test of English as a Foreign Language. The experiences of the 1169 individuals who participated in the computer-familiarity study are characterized in terms of timing and performance data and self-reported attitudes. Most…

Examines technology skills among various constituencies in one college of a major research university. Skills were assessed through self-reports on a survey, direct observations of participants, and interviews. Results revealed differences in skill levels by gender, race, and status (faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students).…

Examines the results of a survey of undergraduates to determine whether their perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes about information technology changed as a result of completing an introductory course in computer concepts and literacy. Results of pre- and post-tests as well as the computer attitude survey are appended. (Author/LRW)

Reviews the history of libraries in Swaziland and discusses the introduction of computers in 1974 and Internet access in 1996. Topics include censorship laws that have restricted access; e-commerce; e-mail; obstacles, including limited user access in libraries and lack of computer literacy; and suggestions for extending Internet information…

Examines ethical issues in computer technology in a global context by comparing lessons from the green revolution with the current information revolution. Identifies issues, such as inappropriate world views offered by Western software to developing nations and the need for culturally sensitive approaches to technological literacy. Identifies…

Examines the impact of new forms of communication technology on our concepts of literacy and literacies, particularly in relation to personal computer use, and argues that the unique quality of hypertext structure underlying computer-mediated communication, asynchronous and nonlinear, challenges many accepted notions of the nature and structure of…

Draws on empirical evidence from an evaluation of computer use in Canadian high schools to show how a critical treatment of computer literacy as ideology raises important issues about the computerization of education. Suggests that educators should question whether they have given this ideology the critical attention it deserves. (DSK)

Explains how to train users in effective Web searching. Discusses challenges of teaching Web information retrieval; a framework for information searching; choosing the right search tools for users; the seven-step lesson planning process; tips for delivering group Internet training; and things that help people work faster and smarter on the Web.…

Identifies six stages adult learners pass through as they become confident using electronic mail. Understanding the stages of learning to use technology empowers the learner through the knowledge that feelings of tension and frustration will be overcome. (Author/AEF)