Describes an effective early stage computing course that provides skills needed by undergraduate chemical engineering students. Material is presented in forms that allow students to follow the logic involved and to understand relationships between the computer, programming, numerical computing, computing software packages, and practical skills for…

Examines the relationship between computer use and students' science achievement based on the data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Results show that it is not computer use itself that has a positive or negative effect on the science achievement of students, but the way in which computers are used. (Author/SOE)

To determine how the Internet is being used in education, researchers surveyed newsgroup participants. Questions concerned demographics and usage. Responses totaled 147. Results indicate that there is a solid foundation of users who are optimistic about the future despite hardware and software problems and concerns about offensive material. Seven…

Discusses the development of a computer literacy measurement instrument for undergraduates. The reliability and validity of the survey are assessed using longitudinal and cross-sectional data, and results are compared to another instrument. A copy of the survey is appended. (Author/LRW)

It has been observed that children are able to learn to use computers and the Internet on their own, irrespective of their social, cultural or economic backgrounds (Mitra and Rana, 2001). This article describes subsequent experiments, conducted in five regions in India, results obtained, and possible conclusions. (AEF)

Explored gender differences in home computer use and control beliefs about computer use in 152 Norwegian eighth graders. In the group of students without computer training or use at school, males had greater perceived control and greater confidence. No gender differences were found for the group with computer training in school. (SLD)

Describes 16-week intergenerational computer tutoring program in two replacement language-arts classes called Ambassadors of the Computer Age. Special-needs middle-school students improved their language-arts skills while teaching older adults how to use computer technology. (PKP)

Responses from 143 nursing students, 75 faculty, and 59 employers indicated that 18.7% of faculty did not include information technology in teaching, and one-third had not used hospital information systems. A majority of employers (68%) wanted nursing graduates with computer experience. (Contains 12 references.) (JOW)

The Contextual Career Education model stresses participant decision making, responsibility, and acquisition of work-related skills for urban youth in a real-life context. George Washington University's program provides work experience, career education classes, and a computer lab, which allows career exploration and computer skills training. (SK)

Describes study that investigated the impact that varying levels of programing had on teachers participating in computer literacy training coursework. Models of computer literacy are described, the use of the Minnesota Computer Literacy and Awareness Assessment is explained, and implications of the results for teacher training are discussed. (12…

Explains a microcomputer application that aids the academic advising process. Reports that this process makes students more responsible for their future and has beneficial effects on computer literacy, student recruitment, career and graduate school planning, early mentoring, and the quality of letters of recommendations and resumes. (KO)

Based on data from two national surveys of U.S. and Canadian eleventh-grade students, this article reviews findings concerning computer literacy, computers' integration with curricula, and gender equity. Recommendations stress the importance of curriculum evaluation, inservice training, and teachers' use of computers. Includes eight references.…

The computer's potential in second language teaching is compared with the reality of commercial programs and teacher training in an effort to separate beliefs from facts. It is concluded that based on recent developments, the computer is about to occupy its rightful place in language teaching. (Author/MSE)

Describes the conflict between using marketplace power to determine the cost of accessing information, and the public interest, and argues that a social policy is needed to guide the information age. It is noted that such a policy would incorporate such components as human needs, computer literacy, universality, and self-determination. (20…

Relates the history of computer studies and its impact on the secondary education environment in Australia. Discusses how the mass media and computer distributors have made parents feel that access to computer education is essential in their children's education. (GG)