These guidelines for setting up instructional computing and computer literacy programs using microcomputers include consideration of program planning, hardware selection and purchase, and faculty development. (Author/JJD)

Discusses mini/microcomputers in education including ways computers can be used in schools, computer literacy, positions for and against classroom use of computers, computers as agents of instruction (devices to deliver instruction), computers as objects of instruction (teaching about computers and computer programing), and including the author's…

Describes how microcomputers are used to teach science, mathematics, and computer literacy in a two-year course for secondary students in San Diego. Skills are reinforced through drill and practice, simulations, and program writing. Specific skills and the sequence in which they are taught are discussed. (AM)

Discusses technology-related staff development at Winona Middle School. Describes media entry-level exploration classes and other more advanced classes on electronic searching, Internet search strategies, using various tools, lessons design, and multimedia skills classes. Presents ideas on how teachers can provide meaningful staff development.…

Examines the impact of technology on educational effectiveness in the United States as measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Presents five items from NAEP and TIMSS tests that may favor students with technology experience. Concludes that further…

A study of 148 male and 161 female 7-12 graders tested the hypothesis that computer attitudes and computer confidence positively affect each other and that both positively affect commitment to computer learning. Contrary to expectations, computer confidence had a negative effect on commitment to learning. Includes an attitudes and self-confidence…

Describes an effective early stage computing course that provides skills needed by undergraduate chemical engineering students. Material is presented in forms that allow students to follow the logic involved and to understand relationships between the computer, programming, numerical computing, computing software packages, and practical skills for…

Examines the relationship between computer use and students' science achievement based on the data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Results show that it is not computer use itself that has a positive or negative effect on the science achievement of students, but the way in which computers are used. (Author/SOE)

To determine how the Internet is being used in education, researchers surveyed newsgroup participants. Questions concerned demographics and usage. Responses totaled 147. Results indicate that there is a solid foundation of users who are optimistic about the future despite hardware and software problems and concerns about offensive material. Seven…

Discusses the development of a computer literacy measurement instrument for undergraduates. The reliability and validity of the survey are assessed using longitudinal and cross-sectional data, and results are compared to another instrument. A copy of the survey is appended. (Author/LRW)

It has been observed that children are able to learn to use computers and the Internet on their own, irrespective of their social, cultural or economic backgrounds (Mitra and Rana, 2001). This article describes subsequent experiments, conducted in five regions in India, results obtained, and possible conclusions. (AEF)

Explored gender differences in home computer use and control beliefs about computer use in 152 Norwegian eighth graders. In the group of students without computer training or use at school, males had greater perceived control and greater confidence. No gender differences were found for the group with computer training in school. (SLD)

Describes 16-week intergenerational computer tutoring program in two replacement language-arts classes called Ambassadors of the Computer Age. Special-needs middle-school students improved their language-arts skills while teaching older adults how to use computer technology. (PKP)

Responses from 143 nursing students, 75 faculty, and 59 employers indicated that 18.7% of faculty did not include information technology in teaching, and one-third had not used hospital information systems. A majority of employers (68%) wanted nursing graduates with computer experience. (Contains 12 references.) (JOW)

The Contextual Career Education model stresses participant decision making, responsibility, and acquisition of work-related skills for urban youth in a real-life context. George Washington University's program provides work experience, career education classes, and a computer lab, which allows career exploration and computer skills training. (SK)