Describes a microcomputer laboratory run by the University of Kansas School of Education that offers courses in computer literacy to elementary students, university students, teachers, and administrators. Laboratory sheets used are included. (JM)

Suggests ways for educators to become computer literate: (1) admit you don't know about computers; (2) be patient with yourself; (3) read about technology; (4) get a home computer; (5) attend training; (6) experiment; (7) ask for assistance; and (8) talk with others about what works for them. (AEF)

Argues for a reexamination of current conceptions of computer literacy as well as an extension of approaches to critical- thinking instruction to include questions about technology. Considers a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of computers, uses it to examine electronic mail and the World Wide Web, and offers an expanded…

Provides suggestions and examples for self-training on use of the Web. Focuses on three questions about guidance, motivation and Web training: (1) "Is this class right for me?"; (2) "Now that I'm here, what do I do?"; (3) "What motivates me now and keeps me coming back later?" (AEF)

Describes a GTE Project that provides technology equipment and assistance in computer literacy for adult learners. Indicates that the training sessions benefited them in the use of the reading software, Internet, Power Point, web importing programs, and use of electronic portfolio. Reports that all trainees felt better prepared to participate…

Unlike more stable content and goals for other areas of school study, technology continues to change, bringing new goals for how learning should be served by and what students should know about technology. This article examines assessments of computer competence, factors influencing the definition of technology skills, state and district…

The Carroll (Texas) Independent School District's performance-based technology program aims to motivate all employees to learn new technological skills and teach them to students. Combining cash bonuses with personal satisfaction, the program rewards professional growth, involves adult learners in their own planning, and correlates individual…

Discusses the goal of K-12 education to have students learn to use technology, defines computer literacy, and describes the Big6 process model that helps solve information problems. Highlights include examples of technology in Big6 contexts, Big6 and the Internet, and the Big6 as a conceptual framework for meaningful technology use. (LRW)

This brief article explains that effective professional development: (1) Involves teachers in the planning and selection, but balances the needs of individual educators with the needs of the campus and district; (2) Provides a practical, utilitarian component to all efforts; (3) Links educators to each other to create a larger learning community;…

Community action and social change have roots in personal family narratives that connect members within the same household, between families and schools, and between families across national borders. In two northern California communities, the value of computer literacy lies in the personal narratives that unite these families to each other,…

This article provides suggestions for developing a laboratory-based research methods course using computers. We describe important considerations for creating this type of course including selecting software, choosing experiments, and teaching students with different levels of computer skill. We also include 3 model projects that required…

In this article, we discuss the literacy narratives of coauthors Melissa Pearson and Brittney Moraski, who came to computers almost a generation apart. Our goal is to demonstrate the importance of situating literacies of technology--and literacies more generally--within specific cultural, material, educational, and familial contexts that…

Teaching pre-service and in-service teachers to use technologies in their classrooms begins with their training at the university. Many teacher education programs require students to take a foundational level course in technology education. As these foundational courses are continually revamped to include technologies for various disciplines,…

The Montessori philosophy advocates that the classroom be a reflection of the home, the community, and the world. Now, a century after Maria Montessori founded her Casa dei Bambini, the world is becoming a high-technology society, with computers a part of everyday American lives. Computers are almost a household necessity, and basic…

This paper describes an innovative pilot project at the University of Canberra aimed at providing pre-service early childhood teachers with the skills, confidence and ideological change required to include technology-enhanced learning as part of the early childhood curriculum. The impact of the project was evaluated through participant…