The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine's recently established computer program involved creation of a lab with six microcomputers and design of a course in computer literacy for dentistry. Students (N=94) found the course appropriate in format and time, and self-reported knowledge increased in all but three subject areas. (MSE)

A survey of 73 Danish adult participants in computer training and interviews with 32 showed that participants had positive computer attitudes but few expectations of the courses; courses only moderately realized developers' intentions; and participants used resulting learning only moderately at work or in further education. (SK)

In 18 beginning computer classes of middle and high school students, 409 pre- and postsemester keyboarding timings were taken. Significant differences in grades were related to developmental phase (those in cognitive or overlap phases had lower grades than those in associative phase--over 25 words per minute). Students showed significant progress…

Discusses ways in which teachers in Texas have managed to keep up with trends in educational technology and thus raise their teaching effectiveness. Describes the process of teachers as learners that developed from a professional-development program. The program provided computer knowledge in all commonly used areas, and furnished all participants…

Describes how, with only a basic level of computer competence, the author managed to successfully integrate computer usage into her business communication course, despite the administration's inability to provide support. Discusses what she did, why, and how. (SR)

Describes how and why the author requires at least one assignment in his business writing classes in which students write a document for the Web using an HTML editor and devoting time to audience/design considerations. (SR)

Analyzes trends in computer-literacy skills of preservice teachers during the period 1991/92 to 1996/97. A significant linear pattern of increasing means was found in word processing, spreadsheet, hardware, operating system software, and the mouse. Analysis provides a perspective on how increasing access to computers in high school translates into…

Discussion of computer literacy and the rapidly changing face of technology focuses on a study that redefined computer literacy to include competencies for using graphical user interfaces for operating systems, hypermedia applications, and the Internet. Describes the development and testing of the Computer Interface Literacy Measure with…

A survey of 1,120 physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants identified their top preferences for continuing education delivery methods: in-person conferences, print-based self-study, and CD-ROM. Least favored were interactive audioconferences. Although most had computer access, traditional methods were more frequently used; lack of…

Adults aged 60-74 (n=30) and 75+ (n=30) were taught to use an electronic bulletin board system either with instructions (simple) or instructions preceded by a system explanation (expanded). The younger group were better at acquiring and retaining computer skills. Simple instructions facilitated skill development better than the expanded treatment.…

College agriculture students who took pencil-and-paper tests scored significantly higher than those taking electronic versions of the tests. Those with a field independent learning style scored significantly higher than field-dependent students, had lower computer anxiety, and enjoyed using computers more. (SK)

Offers and explains three pieces of advice for using the Internet in language arts classes: become a student (have students train teachers to use the Internet and have student interns in computer rooms to assist teachers); "morph into a cybrarian" (create an on-line library of World Wide Web links related to class projects); and empower students.…

Examines recent research in student learning of technological concepts and processes; argues that it is time to place a great emphasis on in-depth research in this area. Considers three interrelated aspects: existing concepts of technology, technological knowledge, and processes. Examines different technological concepts in an attempt to create a…

Business students (n=254) were assessed on their knowledge of computers, health and safety, radiation, workstations, and ergonomic techniques. Overall knowledge was low in all categories. In particular, they had not learned computer-use techniques. (SK)

This study of 296 undergraduate students investigates relationships concerning computer efficacy, attitudes toward computers, and need for learning computer skills. Multiple regression revealed attitudes toward computers, and computer self-efficacy, were significant predictors of the need for learning computing skills between two groups of…