Based on a three-semester design-based research study examining learning and teaching in a web-conferencing environment, this article identifies types of synchronous collaboration competencies and reveals their influence on learning processes. Four levels of online collaborative competencies were observed--operational, interactional, managerial,…

This paper reports on the findings from a quantitative research study into the use of a software tool that was built to support a part-complete solution method (PCSM) for the learning of computer programming. The use of part-complete solutions to programming problems is one of the methods that can be used to reduce the cognitive load that students…

A test of the effectiveness of the direct instruction model as an instructional method was conducted in Sydney (Australia) by administering pre- and post-tests to fifth and sixth year students taught computer literacy and computer programming skills in specially designed 5-week courses. Nine schools, some independent and some…

Discussion of national initiatives in the area of policy and planning for computer education focuses on the development and implementation of the Australian National Computer Education Program. National technological priorities are discussed, strategic planning and decision making are considered, and future activities and trends are suggested.…

Results from a survey of 65 Australian first-year teacher-trainees indicate that the majority of students are positively inclined but ill prepared to take advantage of the computers they find at their disposal when entering a teacher education training institution. Implications for teacher education courses are explored. (IAH)

New electronic technologies provide powerful tools for managing and processing the rapidly increasing amounts of information available for learning; teachers, however, have often been slow in integrating computers into the curriculum. This study addresses the question of how prospective teachers construct affective and cognitive models about…

This study examined the effects of increased computing experience on the computer anxiety of 101 first year preservice teacher education students at a regional university in Australia. Three instruments measuring computer anxiety and attitudes--the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS), Attitudes Towards Computers Scale (ATCS), and Computer…

Integration is based on the assumption that computers should be an integral part of the learning process, both for servicing curriculum needs and as an object for study. The integration of computers into everyday classroom activity has proved to be more slow and difficult than expected, creating the notion that there are incentives enhancing the…

The IADIS CELDA 2012 Conference intention was to address the main issues concerned with evolving learning processes and supporting pedagogies and applications in the digital age. There had been advances in both cognitive psychology and computing that have affected the educational arena. The convergence of these two disciplines is increasing at a…