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)

Because there is little empirical data available on how well young children are able to use a computer mouse, the present study examined their proficiency in clicking on small objects at various positions on the screen and their skill in moving objects over the screen, using drag-and-drop and click-move-click. The participants were 104 children…

This article describes how the mail merge facility within Microsoft Word can be used in conjunction with Microsoft Excel to generate personalized assignments for students at all levels.

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…

In this technology intensive society, most students are required to be proficient in computer skills to compete in today's global job market. These computer skills usually consist of basic to advanced knowledge in word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet applications. In many U.S. states, students are required to demonstrate computer…

A data processing chairperson at a junior high school describes her experiences in teaching special education students computer literacy skills. She notes growth in academic skills as well as in self esteem from the successful experience. (CL)

The article argues that even extremely young children can be taught to program microcomputers from their very first contact. A teaching strategy is proposed, having more in common with the teaching of language than with the more traditional didactic-reinforcement cycle commonly employed in the text books. (Author/CL)

Keyboarding is an important skill that teachers often have limited time to teach. Software packages offer ways to analyze learners' skill levels, identify weaknesses, and generate structured individualized learning materials and prompts. (SK)

Educators are required to combine their expertise and allow students to explore the different areas by using the method of collaboration in which teachers from different disciplines will create an environment where each will use their expert skills. The collaboration of a computer teacher with an art teacher resulted in the creation of Layout and…

Instructional elements remain the foundation of current instructional design practice. Practice is the instructional element provided after learners have been given information required to master an objective and Navigation is the non-instructional element guides the learner on the sequence of instruction. Linear Navigation can be referred to as…

Little research has been done examining the role of errors in learning computer software. It is argued, though, that understanding the errors that people make while learning new software is important to improving instruction. The purpose of the current study was to (a) develop a meaningful and practical system for classifying computer software…

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,…

The authors state that the need to define functional computer literacy is likely to be an ongoing one. They discuss computer literacy skills, barriers to universal application, comprehension skills, and mastery of the operating system. (CT)