This report provides comprehensive data on the level of access by Americans to telephones, computers, and the Internet. It also provides valuable information about where Americans are gaining access and what they are doing with their online connections. These data, from the U.S. Census, provide a factual foundation for key policy initiatives to…

The "digital divide," the separation between those with access to new technologies and those without, is seen by many as one of the leading equity issues in the United States. Computer and Internet access varies widely across the United States, with better educated people, those with more money, and whites more likely to have Internet…

Describes a study of grade 6 and 7 students in Australia that focuses on two factors that may contribute toward the development of student attitudes toward computers: (1) the amount of access to classroom computers; and (2) the nature of the computer tasks. Results indicated that increased access resulted in a decline in liking computers.…

Discusses results from a study in the United Kingdom of secondary school student teachers and their use of ICT (information and communications technology). Considers difficulties with access to computers; lack of active support and role models among serving teachers, including teacher-mentors; and competing demands on student teachers' time.…

Discusses the digital divide between Latinos and non-Latinos in computer use and considers the role of affective factors. Highlights include negative attitudes of elementary Latino students; relationships between computer practices and student performance; beliefs about the usefulness of computers; and implications for educators. (LRW)

Discusses findings reported in a recent National Assessment of Educational Progress report ("Computer Competence: the First Assessment") focusing on four fundamental concerns: student attitudes toward computer use, failure to integrate computers into subject disciplines, the importance of computer access at home and at school, and…

Discussion of equitable access to technology and information resources by disadvantaged children focuses on four recommendations from the Milton Hershey School (Pennsylvania): (1) establish regional information and technology collaboratives; (2) increase access to technology; (3) expand partnerships with businesses and universities; and (4)…

Addresses principles of library budgeting and applies them to planning for library computerized services. Ways of anticipating costs and dealing with hidden costs are described. Further discussion focuses on computer upgrades and levels of computer access. Ground rules for coping with budget planning are outlined. (Contains seven references.) (KRN)

Describes the use of computer technology in two very different high schools in New York City: one is a magnet school that attracts the top students from the city; the other is one of the most violent schools and has a high percentage of immigrants and at-risk students. (LRW)

Discusses the use of computer conferencing in education; addresses difficulties involved in conferencing software, including computer literacy, the communications technology, the conferencing interface, integration with other software, and limitations on access; and describes FICS (Friendly Interface to Conferencing System) that was developed at…

Discusses work of the Educational Enterprise Zone, a consortium of educational providers who create programming for all levels of classrooms to be delivered via videoconferencing. Topics include the variety of teachers and learners in the community, facilitating access to technology, and enhanced learning through collaboration with community…

Describes findings of a report issued by the United States Department of Commerce that revealed the "digital divide" between households of different races and income levels is growing. Highlights two partnership projects offering computer training and equipment donations. (AEF)

Describes how the Rochester Public Library (Minnesota) managed public access to the Internet for both residents and non-resident patrons. Discusses user needs, staff involvement, system software, fees, and handicapped accessibility. (LRW)

Discusses the growing gap between people and communities who have access to information technology and those who do not, known as the digital divide. Considers issues concerning access, in schools and in homes; content; literacy; pedagogy, including constructivist practices and teachers' professional development; and community. (LRW)

Discusses ethical issues concerning public Internet access in academic libraries. Highlights include intellectual freedom, censorship, technical aspects of limiting or restricting use, legal liability for public use of computers for illegal purposes such as child pornography, and the importance of priority use of terminals by the primary academic…