The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an online automated evaluation and feedback system that assessed students' word processing assignments prepared with Microsoft Office Word. The participants of the study were 119 undergraduate teacher education students, 86 of whom were female and 32 were male, enrolled in different…

Non-traditional student enrollment, especially at community colleges, has markedly risen in the last ten years due to national unemployment rates, the current economic climate, and employer demand for computer-literate employees. While university instructors struggle to constantly adapt their course materials to incorporate updates in software…

The author investigated whether students' effort in working on homework problems was affected by their need for cognition, their perception of the system, and their computer efficacy when instructors used an online system to collect accounting homework. Results showed that individual intrinsic motivation and computer efficacy are important factors…

Offers suggestions for avoiding common errors in online microcomputer use. Areas discussed include learning the basics; hardware protection; backup options; hard disk organization; software selection; file security; and the use of dedicated communications lines. (CLB)

Summarizes the current state of the art on informational data bases and projects an image of the effective student-scholar of tomorrow. Focuses primarily upon The Source but references a number of other existing data bases which are available to the personal computer enthusiast via existing telecommunications systems. (JAC)

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…

Describes design of three linked databases on gardening which are intended for use by home computer owners. Principles of development of these programs--which are neither expert systems nor databases in the usual sense--are outlined, and the self-education process in which the developers found themselves engaged is discussed. (MBR)

Computer procedures were taught with either interactive multimedia CD-ROMs or manuals to 46 adults aged 60-74 and 46 aged 75-89. The younger group made fewer errors, required less help, and took less time. Both groups forgot some facts and procedures over time. Format did not affect performance. Spatial and verbal memory, text comprehension, and…

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…

ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), a national database funded by the U.S. Department of Education to collect and analyze literature on all areas of education and education-related fields, is described. Samples of student activities literature found in a search of ERIC are provided, along with a list of database vendors. (MLW)

Features Internet connections related to feature stories in this issue. Gives search tips to use on Internet, lists selected Net addresses relevant to each article, and briefly discusses resources provided. Topics include funding sources for classroom projects, researching historical projects, pets at school, fire prevention month,…

Reviews the growth of library networks and bibliographic utilities, and describes the concept of a national bibliographic network. The impact of microcomputers, the increased computer literacy of librarians, preferences for local autonomy, and the availability of commercial online services on the desire for a national system are discussed. (CLB)

Presents a phenomenological study of student experience in a computer conference learning environment. Issues for students in conferences revolved around spatial disorientation. Students grappled with getting into a computer space, familiarity of use, getting stuck, and the class as a necessary evil within spatial issues. (Author/PVD)

Surveyed 47 students in an online business course at an Australian university to determine their attitudes toward, and use of, the online course delivery system. Identified three critical success factors: (1) the technology; (2) the instructor; and (3) previous use of the technology by the student. (SLD)

An experiment in teaching fifth-year pharmacy students to use computers for on-site quick reference purposes was well received by most students. Additional student training, improved computer access in community settings, and further research into areas of drug information need are suggested. (MSE)