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…

Describes study of 9- to 11-year-olds conducted in Great Britain that was designed to analyze the means by which elementary school children familiarized themselves with a large database. Types of error and frequency of occurrence are examined, query formulation is discussed, and the importance of keyboard skills is addressed. (nine references)…

This study tested the effectiveness of a typing tutorial in teaching keyboarding skills to middle- and upper-grade elementary school students in both supervised and unsupervised environments. Subjects were 56 students enrolled in grades three through six, who were divided into two groups, supervised and unsupervised, and subdivided by grade (third…

Because of the crucial nature of the technical literacy problem and the necessity for employees to be able to understand and apply information contained in technical manuals, a technical literacy test was developed in order to identify the level of a person's familiarity with or likely aptitude for work using a computer. The information yielded by…

Reports on a study of the ability of preschoolers and first, second, and third graders to use three computer input devices: a joystick, a mouse, and a keyboard. For all grade levels, the mouse offered the greatest ease of use in manipulating icons, followed by the joystick and the keyboard. No effect for gender was found. (Contains 30 references.)…

Examines the effects of gender, personality, and keyboard control on foreign language and interaction patterns of 60 intermediate French students in a computer-assisted language learning environment at the university level. Results indicate that learning achievement and interaction patterns at the computer are more strongly related to personality…

Describes a study of students at Purdue University that examined the roles of gender, right- versus left-handedness, and mouse experience in preferences concerning the placement of icon buttons within hypermedia user-interface designs. Response rate is examined, order of presentation is discussed, and further research is suggested. (11 references)…

This study examined the effects of five variables--student grouping at the computer, keyboarding status, academic discipline, student gender, and gender of partner--on student social behavior, both verbal and affective, in microcomputer classrooms in a public business high school. The effect of these variables on teacher behavior was also…

Two studies explored parental expectations and home computer practice in families with special needs children. The first involved 48 parents of special needs children, aged 3.6 to 14.5 years. On a coping instrument, a mood scale, and a difficulties and expectations scale, parents indicated that important concerns for their children included:…