Digital literacy, the ability to understand, evaluate, and integrate information in multiple, computer-delivered formats, is a critical skill. A multimedia computer with an Internet connection allows people to construct information from around the world. Virtual instruction is best used to supplement, not replace classroom teachers. Educators…

A survey of 185 secondary mathematics teachers investigated their perceptions of expertise and curricular justifications for the classroom use of databases, spreadsheets, Logo and BASIC. The study determined that teachers who used software regularly tended to have shorter lengths of service, better qualifications, and were more likely to be male.…

Reports on a study of the effects of the curriculum material used and of teaching behavior in "Information and Computer Literacy," a new course introduced in the Netherlands. Suggests that education can diminish but not entirely eradicate gender-related ideas about computers. Includes statistical and tabular data. (MJP)

Notes that rapid introduction of information and communication technologies in United Kingdom schools, along with government-mandated curriculum requirements, has not been matched by growth in practitioners' understanding of appropriate ways to use the technology. Examines the successful implementation of technology in early childhood settings…

Describes the components of Singapore's Masterplan for Information Technology (IT) in Education, which lays out a comprehensive strategy for creating an IT-based teaching and learning environment in every school. Discusses the impact on childhood learning and on the teaching staff, highlighting the experience of one of the demonstration schools as…

Explores issues related to the use of technology in Indian schools, drawing on information from a variety of sources, such as interviews with parents and teachers, school visits, government information, and magazine and journal articles. Examines India's cultural and educational environments; diversity of parents' and educators' attitudes about…

Investigates the implementation of a project for fostering information and communication technology (ICT)-based integrated learning environments in Hong Kong schools. Overall, effective ICT integration requires substantial thinking about curricular practice and appropriate teacher training. ICT must provide students with varied experiences and…

A University of Melbourne (Australia) study investigated the computer experience of students entering the university and their computer experiences in an introductory course in communication skills. Subjects were 45 students in four classes. The study examined how and where students used computers, computer use in other university courses,…

Presents results of a citation analysis of works involving computer applications to education and discusses changing characteristics of the literature over time. Fifty-six frequently cited works are grouped into a taxonomy of 14 topics under four majors themes: implementation; research, development, and evaluation; learning and human cognition;…

Summarizes results of a nationwide survey of teachers of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade about their attitudes toward computers in the classroom. Topics addressed include the possible effects of computers on dropout rates, literacy, and discipline problems; student motivation and skill development; equity of access; curriculum and…

Presents results of the annual survey of state education departments, which is conducted to provide an assessment of interest in and commitment to educational computing in elementary and secondary schools. Highlights include state funding; requirements for computer courses; hardware and software policies; additional technology usage; and teacher…

Describes activities of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in the United Kingdom related to ways that information technology may contribute to learning. Topics discussed include cognitive science; evaluation of changes in learning; language skills; learner-machine interface; policy and management issues; teacher education; computer…

Researchers observed relationships between exposure to home electronic technologies and classroom disposition and performance in secondary school students. Interviews to determine computer literacy and use suggested that successful performance and richness of technological environment correlated with declared home computer use. Home use did not…

Provides a case study of a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) program for beginning learners of Spanish at the University of Bradford, England. The pros and cons of various software used in the program, as well student attitudes toward CALL, are discussed. (six references) (MDM)

Describes creation and development of Drinking Is Not Our Solution (DINOS) software. Designed to provide both counselors and students with a way to explore attitudes toward drinking, it permits a young person to independently assess his or her own choices by identifying with characters. (JBJ)