The development of digital information literacy (DIL) has been slow in comparison to changes in information communication technologies, and this remains an issue for the higher education sector. Competency in such skills is essential to full participation in society and work. In addition, these skills are regarded as underpinning the ability to…

Describes a study of the changes in developmental students' affective attitudes toward microcomputers following an intensive week of computer training. Pre- and posttest results showed that computer training had a positive impact on students' attitudes and that computer-assisted instruction decreased students' anxiety and confusion and increased…

Management and staff resistance to computer use often comes from anxiety over ignorance of computers and fear of replacement by machines. Such resistance can be overcome with practice, persistence, and an element of humility. (MSE)

Selected reasons for resistance to change in education are discussed, the kinds of resulting behaviors are noted, and suggestions for plausible means of overcoming this resistance are offered. Though the search for excellence and innovation in education are desirable, they are often not sustained for any appreciable period of time and the…

As the information age expands, the most acute problem will not be information overload, but the gap between those individuals who can function in the information society and those who cannot. The haves of the computer society will be those who know the capabilities and limits of the technology. The have nots will be those who fear to know, refuse…

A study based on the classical theory of innovation determined what faculty members were opinion leaders concerning computer-related innovation and enlisted their assistance in training other faculty. The project led to development of a core group of faculty leaders providing individualized peer support and leadership in innovation. (MSE)

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in the anxiety levels and attitudes of black educators toward microcomputer use resulting from participation in a one-semester laboratory course in microcomputer applications. Data were collected over a one-semester period from a class of seven black educators with advanced degrees at Mississippi…

Computing literacy programs at Iona College are discussed, including developments since 1979. Information is provided on the college's computing facilities, software resources, competencies defined before and after 1980, and program funding. Additionally, a computer literacy program for administrators is considered in detail. The following…

Results of placing a computer in eight special education classrooms and providing the teachers with a four-month practicum on integrating the computer into instructional programs indicated that teachers viewed the computer as not only a powerful motivating and reinforcing tool but also as a generally useful tool for themselves and their students.…

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…

The interaction between computer/information technology and the teaching professoriate is considered. Based on a model introduced in 1984, the first encounter with computing is viewed as an alien culture into which the novice must be socialized. Three distinct stages occur in socialization: reality shock, confusion, and attempts at control. To…

This investigation of the relationship of computer anxiety reduction to instructional strategies and learner characteristics used multiple repeated measures in a 2x2x2 quasi experimental design with arousal-seeking tendency, coping style, sex, computer skill mastery, and locus of control as the independent variables. Discrete dependent variables…

In this study, the effects of an introductory computer class versus a content-specific course, computers across the curriculum class were examined for changes in computer anxiety and computer concerns. Computer anxiety was measured with a modified version of the Spielberger Self Evaluation Instrument. To track and compare changes in pre-service…

This pretest/posttest study measured the change in computer literacy and attitudes toward computers among 36 preservice teachers enrolled in an introductory computer training course that was focused on developing programing skills. Independent variables included age, gender, locus of control, final grade in the course, and prior experience in word…

This study examined the effect of two computer literacy courses (one was offered online, and the other was offered through traditional methods) at the Middle East Technical University (Turkey). The two courses were compared in terms of their effectiveness on computer attitudes of student-teachers. The study also explored the other factors that…