Having a good command over basic computer applications is essential for teachers to integrate technology in school. Teachers should learn how to maximize the power of computers for their teaching and administrative work. This paper focuses on some effective approaches that can help teachers learn to use computer applications successfully. First, common computer tasks were categorized based on their features into conceptual, declarative, and procedural tasks. A series of enhancement instruments was designed, developed, and implemented in computer application courses throughout a two-year period; subjects were 186 undergraduate preservice teachers and 112 graduate inservice teachers. Data were gathered and interpreted about effective approaches. The study focused on various tasks, instructional devices, and factors that may have contributed to teachers' successful learning of computer applications. Goals of the study were to explore: (1) how novice computer-using teachers differ from experienced computer-using teachers; (2) how inservice teachers differ from preservice teachers in computer learning; (3) what kinds of devices can help novice users master the computer tasks and accelerate the learning curve; and (4) what factors can contribute to effective learning about computer applications for teachers. (Author/MES)