In an effort to address student engagement challenges, much research has explored student-to-student connected classroom climate (CCC). Research positively associates CCC to the benefits of student integration, learning, and retention in face-to-face environments. However, few studies have examined CCC in computer-mediated environments. This study…

The present study aims to show if a skill-challenge balancing (SCB) instruction strategy can assist learners to motivationally engage in computer-based learning. Csikszentmihalyi's flow theory (self-control, curiosity, focus of attention, and intrinsic interest) was applied to an account of the optimal learning experience in SCB-based learning…

Explores the nature of the relationships between gender, categories of computer use, and attitudes toward computers in a computer-enriched university environment where students had network access and laptop computers over a four-year period. Results indicate women were less positive about computers than men and their use levels were less frequent.…

This study analyzed how students and teachers of one Finnish elementary class participated in and communicated through the Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) during 1997-1998. The density of the interaction within class, students' participation rates, students' position in the CSILE mediated network of interaction, and the…

Discusses the PCs for Families experiment, a longitudinal quantitative and ethnographic study of networked computing in the fifth-grade classroom examining how networked computing affects students' educational achievements, attitude and professional development of teachers and support instructors, and how families support students and react to the…

A major determinant of the success of educational intranet sites is their usability. In addition to measures of task performance and navigation behavior, psychometric instruments are used to evaluate usability and the quality of human-computer interaction more generally. However, there is a lack of validated instruments for the evaluation of…

Discusses the use of communication on computer networks as a data source for psychological, social, and linguistic research. Differences between computer-mediated communication and face-to-face communication are described, the Beginning Teacher Computer Network is discussed, and examples of network conversations are appended. (28 references) (LRW)

Examines how elementary school students improved their scientific discourse on a computer-networked database environment called Computer-Supported Intentional Learning Environments (CSILE). Results showed that system affordance specially designed for jointly written discourse in the discussion-note based (D-CSILE) configuration significantly…

Presents findings from a three-year qualitative study of the implementation of networked technology in a K-12 cluster of four schools. Findings showed that truly networked schools possess a unique virtual geography requiring substantive reorganization across schools' practices, culture and structure. (AEF)

Addresses the effects of an after-school computer club network, the Fifth Dimension, on children's computer knowledge development. Compares Fifth Dimension novices and "experts" who had attended several times previously. Concludes that despite the absence of formal instruction, children's knowledge about computers is enhanced. (AEF)

Examines the effects of participation in the Fifth Dimension after-school computer program on far transfer achievement in the subject areas of reading and math. Provides evidence that children who participate in the Fifth Dimension master knowledge and skill structures and acquire practices that mediate their performance on global measures of…

Examines the distribution of student Internet use across 152 schools in the National School Network, schools that were among the first to provide direct Internet access for networked computers. Discusses socioeconomic status differences, student ability, teacher differences, school population ethnicity, the Internet as innovation, and a vision for…

Children who attended the Fifth Dimension after-school computer club at least 10 times during the 1994-95 school year performed better on word problem comprehension tests than did non-participating children. Results support the hypothesis that experience in using computer software in the Fifth Dimension club produces measurable, resilient, and…

Describes a study of fifth graders interacting with their teacher, local, and distant peers over a telecommunications network, that focused on how the information exchanges impacted students' development of audience awareness in written compositions. Analytic and holistic scoring procedures were applied to determine differences in students'…