The Tomas Rivera Policy Institute conducted focus groups in the summer of 1997 to gain insight into why there is a gap in computer ownership between Hispanic middle-class families and non-Hispanic families of the same middle class income bracket (between 25 and 50 thousand dollars). Results from 6 focus groups of 15 to 20 heads of household each…

With technology changing rapidly, instruction on its use must change rapidly as well. Instructional designers are thus increasingly dependent on the use of rapid application development (RAD) procedures for producing timely instruction related to technology use. In recent years, the use of self-paced instruction in the educational environment has…

This paper presents a potential solution to encourage technology adoption and integration within schools by proposing a human-centered technology "bill of rights" for educators. The intention of this bill of rights it to influence educators' beliefs towards technology and to enable educators to confront with confidence the seemingly…

Johnson County Community College (JCCC) conducted a survey in response to faculty comments regarding entering students' lack of rudimentary computer skills. Faculty were spending time in non-computer related classes teaching students basic computer skills. The aim of the survey was to determine what the basic computer competencies for entering…

This document presents results for students in the Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS), North Carolina, on the North Carolina Tests of Computer Skills. In 1991, North Carolina established a computer proficiency requirement for graduation, which is now effective for the class of 2001. Beginning in 1967, eighth graders were to have at least one…

This study examined planned change in Winston-Salem State University's teacher education program. An external review of the School of Education indicated a weakness in program planning and curriculum design. This review stimulated planned change initiative to strengthen teacher education. Factors influencing the internal environment of teacher…

This report suggests that teacher education faculty must have opportunities to learn about technology and infuse it into the teacher education curriculum, noting the importance of identifying and designing meaningful technology applications to enhance student learning in the academic disciplines and make clear that technology is for everyone. The…

This study examines a training module designed to increase teachers' technology proficiencies. In the process, the study also explores a self-assessment type measure and its value in relationship to teachers' use of technology in their classrooms. It examines pre- and posttest scores of K-12 teachers' perceptions of their level of technology…

Rejecting the notion that the computer is merely a tool for more efficient instruction, this book shows how computers can be the basis for a new literacy that will change how people think and learn. It discusses the learning theory that explains why computers can be such powerful catalysts for change in education, in particular, how intuitive…

This study examined the effects of including a technology literacy component in first-year students' programs at a liberal arts college. The program was designed to systematically help students use and critically evaluate the technology and what it can do to enhance the living and learning environment. The study employed a non-equivalent control…

This study examined the collateral effects of WiggleWorks, an interactive literacy program, in two settings: a cohort study comparing random samples of grade 1-2 students (n=452) before and after software implementation and a longitudinal sample tracing students from Kindergarten to grade 1 (n=126). WiggleWorks contributed to greater student use…

This paper presents an evaluation of a Goals 2000 project being carried out in a rural western school district. The participants have embarked on a series of training modules designed to develop their skills with a variety of software applications and the integration of technology within the curriculum. Participants--administrators and classroom…

The purpose of this study was twofold: a) to test the hypothesis that participation in a course providing theory and practice in the classroom use of technology engenders such use and results in gained competence in the use of this technology; and b) to test the hypothesis that functional relations exist among the availability of technology in the…

A statewide evaluation in Idaho addressed whether teachers changed in teaching philosophy and technology skills following summer in-service workshops and whether these changes sustained themselves in the face of school year and classroom realities. The timing of data collection is an important factor to consider when interpreting program outcomes.…

Describes activities and recommendations of Montana's task force on computer education. Recommendations include integrating computers with regular classroom instruction, providing hands-on experiences for students, and using computers for problem-solving. An audiovisual presentation, handbook, and staff development program have been developed to…