Discussion of computerism (i.e., blind faith in the inherent good of computers) focuses on seven myths about computer anxiety, including the relationship between computer use and math skills; fear of breaking computers; the need for keyboarding skills; and gender differences. An annotated bibliography of 21 sources of further information is…

Discusses the need for teacher training in media use and describes a plan developed in Alabama consisting of a three-course sequence in technology for teacher education that can be incorporated into a master's degree program. Required primary computer skills and primary instructional design skills are listed. (Contains three references.) (LRW)

Suggests these teaching strategies for reducing computer anxiety of adult learners and enhancing the opportunity for learning: use humor whenever possible; demystify the computer; determine students' fears; begin with the basics; avoid computer jargon; measure instructional pace; avoid stimulus overload and instructions that sound like warnings;…

Defines a "geek" as a person in love with technology, computers, and the Internet, and suggests ways that technology-training professionals can discover their "inner geek" to improve their ability to design appropriate learning and performance systems. Presents actions to take and examples for game playing; exploring; embracing technology;…

The Computer Literacy Assessment Tool (CLAT) (Hackbarth, 1997) was administered to third-grade classes over the course of one academic year, measuring factors that affected changes in students' computer literacy. Results presented here focus primarily on the impact of classroom computer access on computer vocabulary, and the extent to which…

Describes a project at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey to encourage women to enroll in courses with a large computer technology component and to enable those women to be successful when they take computing courses. Explains the development of a first-year seminar that was created to improve women's computer skills. (LRW)

Describes the results of a survey of graduating students in the fields of instructional design, media production, and media management that was conducted to determine their perceived level of preparation for the job market in the areas of computer utilization, library media education, educational video programs, and distance education. (LRW)

Describes how technology instruction is incorporated in preservice teacher instruction at Georgia State University. Discusses the network technology and computer software and hardware introduced; transferring technology into students' teaching; and assessment via e-mail discussion. (AEF)

Educators will face a public backlash against educational technology unless they clearly state what K-12 students are to gain from it, ensure teachers are prepared to use it, and document the results. This article discusses the development of a document describing required technology competencies for students and educators, focusing on national…

Discusses some of the complexities that educators must address if the potential of educational technology is to be realized. Topics include computers as tools; technology as a curriculum revitalization catalyst; teacher and administrator training; microcomputer limitations; computer literacy definition; computer education program evaluation;…

A correspondent who toured six Chinese universities reports on educational trends, use of educational television in higher education, educational computing in elementary and secondary education, and Chinese market for Western educational ideas and computer hardware and software. (MBR)

Assessments were made of fourth grade students' attitudes toward computers, their computer vocabulary, and their estimates of classroom access at the end of the academic year 2000. Findings indicate that teachers need sustained hands-on guidance in learning to design and schedule classroom computer activities that both relate to the curriculum and…

Discusses gender differences in computer literacy and the unsuccessful integration of computer technology and its impact on girls and minorities. Describes a study of fourth graders that investigated attitudes toward books, television, and computers; home access to computers; changes in computer confidence; and links between inequitable access and…

Describes the Microcomputer Infusion Project (MIP), which was developed at Arizona State University to provide faculty with the necessary hardware, software, and training to become models of computer use in both lesson development and presentation for preservice teacher education students. Topics discussed include word processing; database…

Summarizes results of a nationwide survey of teachers of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade about their attitudes toward computers in the classroom. Topics addressed include the possible effects of computers on dropout rates, literacy, and discipline problems; student motivation and skill development; equity of access; curriculum and…