Examines the impact of new forms of communication technology on our concepts of literacy and literacies, particularly in relation to personal computer use, and argues that the unique quality of hypertext structure underlying computer-mediated communication, asynchronous and nonlinear, challenges many accepted notions of the nature and structure of…

Draws on empirical evidence from an evaluation of computer use in Canadian high schools to show how a critical treatment of computer literacy as ideology raises important issues about the computerization of education. Suggests that educators should question whether they have given this ideology the critical attention it deserves. (DSK)

Explains how to train users in effective Web searching. Discusses challenges of teaching Web information retrieval; a framework for information searching; choosing the right search tools for users; the seven-step lesson planning process; tips for delivering group Internet training; and things that help people work faster and smarter on the Web.…

Identifies six stages adult learners pass through as they become confident using electronic mail. Understanding the stages of learning to use technology empowers the learner through the knowledge that feelings of tension and frustration will be overcome. (Author/AEF)

Presents elementary level, standards-based, technology-supported learning activities for the classroom, including: creating a virtual reality bulletin board that lets students become familiar with their computers; developing a weekly newsletter on the computer; and generating personalized greeting cards using SuperPrint 2.0. (SM)

Presents rates of student computer use by grade level, frequency of use, reason for use, and family income. In 1996, 79% of 4th graders, 91% of 8th graders, and 96% of 11th graders were using a computer at home or at school to write stories and papers. (Author/SLD)

Reviews research and literature on gender and technology. Looks at computer equity themes of the 1980's and early 1990's, and argues that middle school is the place to make a difference. Lists recommendations in the literature for assisting girls with computer technology. Notes considerable evidence of the persistence of a gender gap. (SR)

Discusses the place of new technology in education, examining what computer literacy amounts to in the age of the Internet. After noting practical problems with the vision of schools online, the paper considers apparently contrasting responses to new technology which emphasize respectively the reductionism of information technology and the…

Discusses making community networking a reality for all citizens, noting ways to reduce the digital divide that segments computer use along socioeconomic lines. Lists 4 insights that may help in the design and implementation of community services devoted to computer access and training. Notes a website on community networking, and recent…

Present trends indicate a systematic decline in business education enrollments. The status and definition of the field are being debated, and the need to keep up with constant technological change compounds the issue. The field must move beyond a technical skills orientation to produce lifelong learners able to adapt to change. (SK)

Examines the concepts of information literacy and digital literacy through a literature survey and analysis. Highlights include skills-based literacy, including library literacy, media literacy, and computer literacy; bibliographic instruction; business information; the information society; network literacy; Internet literacy; hyper-literacy; and…

This study investigates socio-technical aspects of digital video libraries based on college students' learning experiences and perspectives. Forty-one students in biology classes were studied through a survey and individual interviews. Findings are presented by the students' knowledge of computer technology, experiences with AV materials, and…

As higher education continues the rush to embrace technology-delivered learning opportunities, one imperative is to find ways to prepare faculty for what life will be like on the other side of the transformation. Independent of how great a teacher, scholar or researcher an individual may be, he or she needs to have accurate expectations of how…

A special feature in the previous issue acknowledged the magazine's 25th anniversary, and current columnists as well as former contributors were asked to think back over their work and to share favorite covers, articles, and memories. Since I have been writing for CIL for nearly 18 years, I had plenty of past columns to review. It was interesting…

The role that affective states play in learning was investigated from the perspective of a constructivist learning framework. We observed six different affect states (frustration, boredom, flow, confusion, eureka and neutral) that potentially occur during the process of learning introductory computer literacy with AutoTutor, an intelligent…