This paper discusses psychological effects associated with the latest technology in computer interfaces. Emphasis is given to issues involved with multi-media systems and the development of the self on emotional, intellectual, and social levels. A review of technology attitudes and individual differences is presented in relation to the voluntary…

This paper reports on the results of a study investigating attitude toward computing for a large group (n=509) of students undertaking an introductory information systems course in an Australian university. Students were surveyed using a two-part questionnaire. The first section dealt with gender, previous computing experience, and level of…

In evaluating IMAGE, an open-ended computer assisted learning program designed to enable English children to produce, modify, and print artwork created on the computer, teachers' perceptions of the program were focused on what the software package can do and what can be learned from using the program. Eighty teachers utilized the package in their…

This report describes a program for formulating and implementing a staff development plan for technology within the Lake Forest School District (Delaware). The study focused on increasing teacher use of technology, primarily computers, through increased staff development. Attitudinal changes toward the use of technology were also investigated. Two…

To learn more about students' computer-literacy levels and attitudes about computer use, a pilot study was performed in the summer of 1993 to evaluate the computer literacy of first-year students entering the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. A survey was completed by 444 incoming students during their orientation programs. The majority had some…

This paper reports the results of a study conducted to evaluate the reality of interaction in a web-based distance education course. The learners were Egyptian first-grade secondary school students (15-16 years old) and the learning subject is mathematics. To investigate students' interactions via the Web, a Web-based learning environment was…

This paper reports the results of a study conducted to evaluate the reality of interaction in a web-based distance education course. The learners were Egyptian first-grade secondary school students (15-16 years old) and the learning subject is mathematics. To investigate students' interactions via the Web, a Web-based learning environment was…

Besides a host of technical and logistical questions, more subtle issues, related to teachers' pedagogical visions and beliefs, as well as their perceived confidence for using technology, are also known to impede meaningful classroom technology use. Assuming that most designers and staff developers are fairly well prepared to provide technical…

A study explored the implications of the information economy of the late 1990s for American workers, focusing on workers' experience with computers in the workplace, workers' perceptions about their future in the information economy, and the role of government in the information age. Research data were gathered through a survey of 1,005 adults…

The Mass Communication and Society section of the Proceedings contains the following 17 papers: "Interactivity and the 'Cyber-Fan': Audience Involvement within the Electronic Fan Culture of the Internet" (Vic Costello); "A Reassessment of the Relationship between Public Affairs Media Use and Political Orientations" (Kim A.…

Research reports and articles on the effectiveness of technology in the student learning environment reflect a variety of opinions and conclusions. Educators who are making decisions about the use of technology will want to examine research results with the following questions in mind: Do research results and expert opinions support the continued…

This study investigated cross-nationally preservice teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of computers and technology in improving education. Participants were undergraduate education students from the United States and Taiwan; 180 students from each country were randomly selected. A survey instrument that identified types and amounts of…

This study investigated student teachers' perception and practice regarding computer use during the practicum in terms of their teaching styles. The following questions were investigated: (1) What are the student teachers' perceptions of the teachers' role in the classroom with computers, measured in terms of teacher-centeredness and…

Questions the use and adaptation of computers in the classroom as a panacea for all educational ills. Specifically notes that much of the nature and content of social studies instruction requires class interaction rather than computer instruction. Praises computers as instructional supplements rather than substitutes. (MJP)

Discusses gender differences in computer literacy and the unsuccessful integration of computer technology and its impact on girls and minorities. Describes a study of fourth graders that investigated attitudes toward books, television, and computers; home access to computers; changes in computer confidence; and links between inequitable access and…