The phenomenon called digital divide was the focus of this paper. Diversity, disability, and geographical digital divide were relevant to this collaborative project. An extensive review of the literature was conducted for the completion of this project. The evidence for the digital divide in terms of race, level of education, and gender in the…

The author suggests a method by which educational expenditures may be related to educational needs without the use of computers or PPBS. Teachers and principals are actively involved in this budget process, which seems especially relevant to small districts that have no access to computers. (Author/DN)

Describes the Access 2000 project at Wake Forest University (North Carolina) where students should have access to computers by the year 2000. Highlights include its history and goals; and the library's part in training faculty, staff, and students to use the new technology that includes an IBM ThinkPad laptop computer for each incoming first-year…

Used surveys to determine the level of computer use in 65 nursery schools and classes. Found that the majority of the nurseries had a computer, and that the child-to-computer ratio was high. Also found that although the staff were trained, their training was often not at a level they would have liked. (MOK)

Asserts that ever-increasing Internet access is rendering the functions of reference librarians obsolete. Presents the points of view of several two-year-college librarians, who insist that libraries will always require experienced reference librarians to act as organizers and guides to information seekers. Also discusses librarians' changing…

Discusses user acceptance of blended learning in higher education distance education programs and reports on a study that investigated acceptance of Web enhancements to learning for on-campus and off-campus learners, access to computers, teacher-student interaction, and acceptance based on amount of use. Combined face-to-face instruction with…

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)

A fundamental variable in interactive videoconferencing may be access to technology rather than the distance itself. This study investigates whether providing unlimited access results in improved attitudes and/or improved proficiency with technology. Subjects were two groups of college juniors and seniors enrolled in an educational technology…

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)

Discussion of computer conferencing in distance and higher education focuses on a study that examined the reactions of lecturers in the Information Management Division at Queen's University (Belfast) to the possibility of using computer conferencing. Perceived benefits and drawbacks for both instructors and students are discussed. (10 references)…

Responses from 2,340 Open University students (52% women) showed that more men than women had access to computers at home and work; only 32% of women used networked communications; men were more likely to use e-mail and the Web at home; and gender differences were less significant at work. (SK)

Illustrates the possibilities of freely or inexpensively connecting a library to the Internet. Discusses the advertising-supported approach; local resources for free or budget Internet resources; public access catalogs; examples of free Web materials and of libraries that have achieved a low-budget Web presence; building an effective planning…

Examines the pedagogic usefulness of the computer by focusing on changes in student attitudes and use of computers in a computer-enriched environment using data from a longitudinal study at Wake Forest University. Results indicate that a networked institution where students have easy access can foster positive attitudes. (Author/LRW)

The author shares ways technology may empower students and how it has enabled her as a teacher to expand beyond some of the traditional boundaries for writing, reading, and assessment. In the discussion, the importance of economic and environmental equity and the need for theory to inform pedagogy are emphasized. (AEF)

Surveyed Internet-using children about their experiences with and perceptions of computer technology. Respondents valued the role of computers in their lives for entertainment, accomplishing goals, and becoming competent and empowered. They believed computers and the Internet improved their lives. Most children had computers at school, but nearly…