Literacy skills honed from reading books and writing papers has long been recognized as invaluable to building and sustaining intellect. Educators are charged with strengthening literacy programs, and they typically rely on conventional practices and increased time focusing on text-based media to do so, yet their efforts have not significantly…

Reports a study that examined the attitudes, experiences, and skills of students entering a typical introductory college computing course. Survey data indicated that students had generally positive attitudes toward computers. Computer anxiety was greater among females. Most students viewed themselves as moderately competent with computers. (SM)

This descriptive study investigated the benefits and costs of using electronic portfolios (EPs) in preservice teacher education. Grounded within change theory, the study examined the perspectives of faculty in six programs in which EPs have been used on a large scale for two or more years. Benefits identified include increased opportunities for…

The article explores some of the history that has led to the current emphasis on teaching educators to use computer applications without teaching the underlying computer programing or computer science, arguing that all teachers should receive some instruction in computer science and computer programing. (SM)

Discusses technology-related competencies for teacher education programs, noting the difficulties inherent in defining computer literacy and examining the results of surveys of practicing teachers' use of and opinions about technology. The article proposes three minimal instructional technology competencies and offers suggestions for evaluating…

Survey asked 180 teachers of computer literacy courses for educators to rank the importance of various topics for inclusion in such courses and list one piece of software which should definitely be taught. Responses emphasized teaching word processing, database management, and spreadsheets. (SM)

Provides a framework to support the systematic integration of technology into teacher education programs, describing a planning model and support materials that address the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) foundation standards for students seeking initial endorsements in teacher education programs. Support materials…

Describes the first two years of a long-term project to improve precollege mathematics instruction through computer use. Inservice teacher training and summer workshops encouraged teachers to integrate computers into mathematics instruction. Key success factors included faculty collaboration, ongoing teacher support services, and collaborative…

Most preservice programs do not adequately prepare students for using technology in instruction. University faculty must model technology use and integrate it throughout the program. This requires significant change in many teachers' instructional strategies. Continued quality faculty development can facilitate this change. The paper discusses the…

Compared beginning educational computer user's beliefs about classroom computing before and after completing one of three types of introductory computer courses. Stages of Concern survey data indicated that each course had the desired effect on teachers' attitudes. All three groups became aware of educational computing and were not concerned with…

A survey of Michigan's teacher preparation institutions sought to determine the extent of current and projected technology integration in teacher preparation programs. A questionnaire asked about faculty development, curriculum modification, hardware and software acquisition, and resource needs. Results indicated a vast variation in technology…

Describes the process created by the Accreditation Committee of the International Society for Technology in Education for developing and validating National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation standards for computer/technology education degree and teacher certification programs. Included are selected data from…

This study examined what educators should know and be able to do with computer technology. Content analyses of state standards, textbooks, and journal articles identified 60 computer-related proficiencies relevant to K-12 educators that were grouped into 10 categories. Results indicate little consensus among information sources on essential…

The International Society for Technology in Education foundations constitute guidelines for what teachers should know and be able to do with technology. The Foundations provide indicators for professional education units at all stages of development. They have recently been revised to reflect specific performance and areas fundamental for all…

This study examined specific classroom events and teaching practices that promoted positive attitudes and emotions by students in college computer courses. Analysis of student journals and interviews indicated specific classroom events and teaching practices lessened students' computer anxiety, promoted understanding of computers, and increased…