Computer skills were identified and grouped as follows: operating systems, graphical user interface, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Responses from 47 of 420 employers rated proficiency in all of these groups essential. Database skills were particularly highly rated. (SK)

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,…

Statistics indicate computer use is increasing in homes, schools, libraries, recreation centers, camps, and parks. However, the relative effects of computer use on children with ready access to computer-based technologies and on children who have only limited experience with such technologies is at question. The source of impact is the computer…

From his frustrating personal experience with an Apple personal computer, Knowles formulates suggestions for the microcomputer industry on incorporating adult learning principles in software and documentation development. In response, Apple staff and other industry representatives discuss the process of developing reference manuals and the issue…

Workers who become adept at using computer software are often asked for help by coworkers. To use their time more efficiently, they should be prepared as effective on-the-spot trainers who might teach a group how to solve a common problem. (SK)

In 1985, the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) established a "Micro-Lab" at their annual meeting to provide members of ASBO with exposure to, and hands-on use of, various computer hardware and software. Provides a synopsis of several of the presentations made at the 1989 annual meeting. (MLF)

"Play" with computer applications is form of self-directed, experiential learning. This learning results in improved mental models of applications; application use for work tasks further refines the models. Application play may benefit organizations that invest considerable resources in technology training. (SK)

Several Excel applications are presented which are part of the syllabus in the first semester of engineering studies at Haugesund College. The aim of the applications is for the students to acquire both computing skills and mathematical understanding at the same time. The applications cover numerical solution of equations, differentiation,…

Though technology can enliven and enrich a teacher's work, its glitches can sabotage the most beautifully planned presentation. High school teacher Grinvalds shares six practices that help to deal with the glitches inevitably experienced by those entering the realm of classroom technology: (1) Prepare; (2) Ask for Help; (3) Stick with What You…

In this article, the author relates the big role of computers in his life as a writer. The author narrates that he has been using a computer for nearly twenty years now. He relates that computers has set his writing free. When he started writing, he was just using an electric typewriter. He also relates that his romance with computers is also a…

Background: Based on analyses of the difficulties encountered during the process of integrating technology into instruction and the efforts made by researchers to overcome barriers to such integration, we propose that the efforts made to date (e.g., increasing the availability of computer equipment and enhancing computer literacy, support, and…

Course management systems (CMSs) currently drive educational delivery in most developed countries. Their absence in higher education in most developing countries creates a digital divide between first- and third-world students. Meeting the needs of higher education in Ghana therefore depends on identifying the factors that should inform the choice…

With the rapid development of the information communication and technology (ICT) infrastructure in the Caribbean, there is an increasing demand for skilled software developers to meet the ICT needs of the region. Consequently, the web-based applications course offered at the University of the West Indies, has been redeveloped. One major part of…

Since 2002 the "Zurich E-Learning Certificate" offers lecturers and academic staff from the three main universities in Zurich the possibility to take part in a professional development program which supports the acquirement of eCompetence. The program is the result of a cooperation between the University of Zurich (UZH), the Swiss…

The teaching of digital literacies is regarded as an important facet of literacy teaching in the 21st century. With many literacy tests continuing to indicate that students' levels of achievement tend to be differentiated along socioeconomic lines, it seems timely to consider the connections between home and school and how these play out in…