Research on 255 adult educators identified their needs in learning to use instructional technology. Results were used to depict technology professional development as a transformative journey. Strategies include assessing current knowledge and needs, engaging in development of relevant curriculum materials using technology, and reflecting on…

Of 31 higher education students in distance courses, 46% were in their first distance experience; 74% used WebCT but 77% preferred interactive videoconferencing. Those with previous experience rated their comfort lower, and a majority would engage in technology training if necessary. (Contains 22 references.) (JOW)

Argues that the gender gap in computer use may place female library users at a disadvantage, and discusses the implications of the gap for bibliographic instruction. Topics addressed include the extent of the gap, reasons for it, psychosocial factors involved in it, factors encouraging it, analyzing it in libraries, and bridging it. (44…

Comparison of scores on the Computer Aptitude, Literacy, and Interest Profile of 56 junior high school learning disabled students and 56 non-learning disabled peers found no significant difference in scores between the two groups nor between male and female students. (Author/DB)

Discussion of computerism (i.e., blind faith in the inherent good of computers) focuses on seven myths about computer anxiety, including the relationship between computer use and math skills; fear of breaking computers; the need for keyboarding skills; and gender differences. An annotated bibliography of 21 sources of further information is…

A study investigated the impact of computerization on administrative support positions through a survey of 529 university-educated individuals (166 responses). Results indicate that the majority did not experience the alienating influence of the computer and were enthusiastic about its integration into their work lives. (JOW)

Provides suggestions and examples for self-training on use of the Web. Focuses on three questions about guidance, motivation and Web training: (1) "Is this class right for me?"; (2) "Now that I'm here, what do I do?"; (3) "What motivates me now and keeps me coming back later?" (AEF)

Describes a GTE Project that provides technology equipment and assistance in computer literacy for adult learners. Indicates that the training sessions benefited them in the use of the reading software, Internet, Power Point, web importing programs, and use of electronic portfolio. Reports that all trainees felt better prepared to participate…

Argues that instructors can help to alleviate students' fears regarding different multimedia techniques by taking time to give some basic file explanations. Discusses a few of the most common multimedia file types in Windows (graphic, audio, and video), as well as compressed files. Uses slide show software as a base because of its widespread use…

Unlike more stable content and goals for other areas of school study, technology continues to change, bringing new goals for how learning should be served by and what students should know about technology. This article examines assessments of computer competence, factors influencing the definition of technology skills, state and district…

Twenty nursing graduate students in an Internet-based course were compared with 23 who did not take the course. The former were more likely to be connected to nursing networks, used Internet-based health information in practice, used computer skills for other classes, and understood the relevance of telemedicine. (SK)

Analysis of 23,704 want ads for computer-related jobs revealed that the most frequently mentioned skills were UNIX, SQL programming, and computer security. Curriculum implications were derived from the most desired and less frequently mentioned skills. (SK)

The Carroll (Texas) Independent School District's performance-based technology program aims to motivate all employees to learn new technological skills and teach them to students. Combining cash bonuses with personal satisfaction, the program rewards professional growth, involves adult learners in their own planning, and correlates individual…

To conceptualize and measure end user computing sophistication, a three-dimensional characterization of application, usage, and end user sophistication is proposed. A preliminary operationalization using 9 variables was tested with 505 users in 5 Canadian enterprises and found to be globally reliable. Contains five tables and an appendix which…

A study of 164 undergraduate students at Sultan Qaboos University investigated self-efficacy of computer skills and cognitive thinking style and found higher self-efficacy scores for students with abstract cognitive thinking style than those with concrete and iconic thinking styles, concluding this might be attributed to higher theoretical…