Learner analysis and needs assessments are basic elements of all instructional design models and are of concern to those designing distance education courses. This investigation surveyed 249 geographically dispersed online students' computer skills and attitudes toward Internet-delivered instruction. Results were assessed by demographics. Results…

This study investigated the perspectives of teachers in an early childhood center concerning their thoughts and feelings about the implementation of a school wide assistive technology (AT) program designed to enhance emergent literacy skills for children identified as being at-risk or having special needs. Qualitative methodology was used to gain…

Discusses the role of computers in today's world and the construction of computer use attitudes, such as gender gaps. Suggests how schools might close the gaps. Includes a brief explanation about how facility with computers is important for women in their efforts to gain equitable treatment in all aspects of their lives. (PA)

Tests, in two studies, whether people respond to computer personalities the same way they respond to human personalities: experiment 1 matched dominant and submissive subjects with a computer endowed with like characteristics; experiment 2 used the same experimental design to assess users' psychological responses to changes in personality-based…

Suggests ways for educators to become computer literate: (1) admit you don't know about computers; (2) be patient with yourself; (3) read about technology; (4) get a home computer; (5) attend training; (6) experiment; (7) ask for assistance; and (8) talk with others about what works for them. (AEF)

An interpretive paradigm was used to distill four themes from interviews with six nursing students about information and communications technology. Themes were initial intimidation in learning computers, lack of time and motivation to learn, the crucial nature of computer ownership to facilitate experimentation, and limited access to computers in…

Discussion of user satisfaction with computers focuses on a study that tested the construct validity and reliability of the End User Computing Satisfaction Instrument. Highlights include the relationship of user satisfaction and computer attitudes, computer anxiety, computer skill, and computer usage; and implications for the management of…

Discusses the use of beliefs to guide researchers in the development of computer-based learning. Topics include properties of beliefs; beliefs about learning; beliefs about computer technologies; directions for computer-based learning, including multimedia technology, virtual reality, and groupware; and learning rationales, including…

Describes a study of preservice teachers that investigated two types of Internet connectivity to determine whether access to graphical user interface (GUI) tools increase both the level of use and positive attitudes toward technology. Results at mid-point reveal more positive attitudes and more time spent by using GUI tools. (Author/LRW)

Provides a synthesis of the research findings on gender differences in the field of computers. Examines several popular theories of why the differences exist and what to do about them. (AEF)

Describes a study that examined changes in preservice and inservice teachers' attitudes toward computers following their participation in an educational computing class and explored factors that contributed to their computer use. Discusses prior computer experience, having home computers, and current use of technology in the school at which they…

Discusses ten ways that technology is being oversold and the implications for educators at all levels. Argues that while technology is considered a useful tool, sales tactics that stir fears of being antiquated and promise instant access to information, group participation, worldwide contacts, and time and money savings are misleading. (JPB)

"Cookies" are tiny Web browser helpers and are an example of how the useful can get tossed in with the dangerous through the near hysteria brought about by the real threats of computer viruses, hacking, spyware, spam and phishing. This article briefly discusses antispyware legislation by Congress and the pros and cons of past and future…

For Canada to compete effectively in the digital world, beginning teachers need to play an important role in integrating computer technology into the curriculum. Equipment and connectivity do not guarantee successful or productive use of computers in the classroom, but the combination of the teaching style and technology use has the potential to…

This study aims to measure the attitudes of the freshman year students at Pre-School Teaching, Primary School, Psychological Consulting and Computing and Computing and Education Technologies Teaching Departments in Near East University, Ataturk Education Faculty towards computers. Usage of computing and IT is an essential factor in human life…