The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an integrated, laptop-based approach on pre-service teachers' computer attitudes, ability and use. Pre-post program analysis revealed significant differences in behavioural attitudes and perceived control (self-efficacy), but not in affective and cognitive attitudes. In addition, there was a…

This second chapter focuses on an analysis of the aspects that characterize the typical content of students' attitudes toward the world of computers. In this connection, it attempts to determine what is of the greatest interest to students as they deal with the world of computers, which types of programs they use, and which magazines they read…

Instructional technology allows students to visualize complex ideas and understand abstract concepts in a manner that simply is not possible with the use of just lecture and a chalkboard. The use of instructional technology in a class and the impact that it has on students are almost wholly dependent on individual instructors. While a small…

Despite enormous growth of the Internet and its proliferation of tools, resources, and on-line communities, the connection between local learning environments and virtual learning environments remains tenuous. This paper examines this relationship, based upon a case study of an academic unit at the University of Colorado at Denver. Drawing on…

This paper discusses the relationships between males and females, the computer culture, the influence of mass media, and community. Mass media images of society reflect and reinforce the stereotypes and realities of gender tracking, separating males from females beginning in childhood and extending through adult life. There is evidence of…

A survey of teachers from 55, primarily rural, school districts in southeastern Idaho examined teachers' perceptions of their own ability to use educational technology and their actual technology use. In addition, the study examined the effects of gender, education level, years of teaching, grade level assignment, number of subjects taught, number…

One benefit often expected to flow from Internet use in schools is an increase in equality of educational opportunity as all kinds of schools gain access to the same extraordinary set of resources. Yet, prior research suggests that patterns of technology access often mirror existing inequalities rather than mitigate them. This paper discusses the…

To gather information on the importance of current educational-technology innovations for students in the IBM Teacher Preparation Program (an integrated Bachelor's and Master's program) at the University of Connecticut's School of Education, a survey was sent to all students enrolled in the program in April 1993. Responses were received from 115…

As elementary and secondary schools increase computer training for their students, computer literacy is advancing to a higher level of proficiency for these students. As they make use of academic and public libraries, students will expect high performance computer service and have challenging requirements of that service. Libraries must develop…

The anxiety or confidence that teachers display towards computers and other new technologies is a subject which should be of prime importance to teacher educators and educational technologists. Many teachers feel ill-prepared and resist the integration of computers and other technologies into their instruction. Since 1976 there has been a growing…

Computer-based instructional applications are considered an effective alternative to traditional teaching methods and today in numerous educational and training settings, interactive computer programs are used to teach young students and adults computer literacy skills. The purpose of this study is to compare the attitudes and motivations of…

Members of society appear to have great faith in the educational value of computers. It is widely believed that computer use will promote learning. Unsupported by research evidence, many contemporary mathematics curriculum documents include statements advocating computer use and the benefits to be derived. As part of a larger study in which equity…

Technology has been making rapid strides since its inception in the school curriculum. In 1970, four kinds of software were available for use in reading instruction, although they were criticized for deficiencies. Throughout the 1980s, the number of schools having computers and sufficient software increased. Advantages in using computers in…

This paper describes the experiences of a non-technologically oriented composition instructor who began a writing course that incorporated online computer technology. Following the Northridge (California) earthquake in 1994, the administration at California State University Northridge (CSUN) recognized the importance of creating electronic…

This formative study is based on focus group interviews with nearly 200 teachers at 30 Iowa high schools during the spring of 1998. During the one-day site visits at each school, data was also collected from students, the principal, the technology coordinator (where available), and the district's technology plan. Teachers were asked about how they…