Describes a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course in the United Kingdom that was offered to develop teachers' computer use and skills. Results of four questionnaires that evaluated skills before the course and after one year of teaching are discussed, and requirements for information technology skills are examined. (five references)…

Discussion of teachers' knowledge of instructional design principles highlights a required computer literacy course for preservice teachers that was redesigned to include substantial components to teach instructional design. Results of a study that was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the instructional design training are described. (18…

This article discusses the benefits that can be derived from implementing adaptive computer training for visually impaired individuals in a group setting, independent from direct job placement concerns. Three student histories demonstrate the advantages of this approach to students' competence, self-esteem, and awareness of career options. (JDD)

Survey asked 180 teachers of computer literacy courses for educators to rank the importance of various topics for inclusion in such courses and list one piece of software which should definitely be taught. Responses emphasized teaching word processing, database management, and spreadsheets. (SM)

A teacher who became computer literate by playing with one over the summer, describes how even just one computer in the classroom can help differentiate curriculum, be used for individualized instruction, augment resource materials, access the World Wide Web for the latest discoveries, assist visual learners, and create new student and teacher…

Educators will face a public backlash against educational technology unless they clearly state what K-12 students are to gain from it, ensure teachers are prepared to use it, and document the results. This article discusses the development of a document describing required technology competencies for students and educators, focusing on national…

Interactive research can build English-as-a-Second-Language students' language skills and cultural awareness. This paper describes a research project in which Spanish-speaking students at a San Francisco college advanced their language skills while developing basic computer-literacy skills as they conducted meaningful, relevant research projects…

Discusses several of the unique features of digital text, identifying five key concepts about digital literacy as they relate to technological trends in the workplace and describing a select set of innovative instructional uses of technology that have the potential to transform digital-literacy education. (SM)

Teachers must know how to integrate technology into the classroom to improve learning; use technology to help students master content and performance standards; and know when technology is appropriate to help learning. Two sets of recently released technology standards can help school leaders develop comprehensive staff-development plans: the…

The staff of teacher education institutions in Scotland are under increasing pressure to ensure that teachers in training acquire a range of information and communications technology skills. This paper reports a study of current skills and attitudes of some Scottish training institutions and students' related experiences. Ways of ensuring…

Examines the practical realities of upgrading Intel personal computers in libraries, considering budgets and technical personnel availability. Highlights include adding RAM; putting in faster processor chips, including clock multipliers; new hard disks; CD-ROM speed; motherboards and interface cards; cost limits and economic factors; and…

This study, utilizing data from 208 educators, obtained estimates of the reliability of the four subscale version of the 40-item Computer Attitude Scale (CAS); provided detailed information regarding the factor patterns of the CAS subscales; and provided evidence about the differential validity of the CAS among four groups with differing intensity…

Compares and analyzes job advertisements for catalogers and reference librarians in academic libraries from 1971 to 1990 to trace the impact of automation on job requirements and qualifications. Findings indicate that computer skills are needed, and there are more entry-level jobs being posted for both groups. (Author/JMV)

Discusses problems and deficiencies in computer technology in American schools based on results of a worldwide study on educational computer use. Highlights include outdated computer equipment; results of computer literacy tests of eighth- and 11th-grade students; lack of curriculum integration; lack of systematic computer acquisition; and lack of…

Describes a Delaware Technical and Community College certificate program, training K-12 faculty in computer-based competencies such as word processing, databases, e-mail, Internet usage, and development of online courses. Describes seven principles of good program design, the processes for program development, delivery modes, and indicators of…