A survey of 129 medical residents in an urban teaching hospital revealed a general lack of knowledge about computers, although most had used a microcomputer. Students were most likely to be able to use word processing (73%) and bibliographic retrieval (71%) programs. Better access to and training for computer use are recommended. (Author/MSE)

Discusses technology-related competencies for teacher education programs, noting the difficulties inherent in defining computer literacy and examining the results of surveys of practicing teachers' use of and opinions about technology. The article proposes three minimal instructional technology competencies and offers suggestions for evaluating…

Describes the experience of a bilingual kindergarten teacher who, in an effort to improve students' writing, used color-coded symbols familiar to students on specific key functions of the computer keyboard. Familiarity with the keyboard functions facilitated the children's understanding and consequent use of software, and allowed the children to…

Following a brief history of the Internet, the duties of Web site managers (i.e., Webmasters) are described, including coordinating content, answering e-mail, researching new technologies, conducting training, writing behind-the-scenes programs, and keeping the Web site running. Webmasters must possess a blend of technical skills, interpersonal…

About 250 of the Beaufort County, South Carolina school district's 1,200 sixth graders at three middle schools have participated in the School-Book Laptop Project since 1996. Followup studies through seventh grade show that laptops enhanced academic gains among students who traditionally have not succeeded in school. Laptop users consistently…

Describes a new one-year graduate program at Vermont's Marlboro College that offers two unique master's degrees: a master's of science in Internet strategy management (to help business students use the Internet effectively in the corporate world) and a master's of arts in teaching with Internet technologies (to help teachers navigate the…

Reports on the quantitative findings from a survey of Cornell University undergraduates and on qualitative findings from a prior focus group that investigated computer literacy and the most effective methods to learn computer-literacy skills. Implications for supporting student computing needs are discussed. (LRW)

Investigates the perception that humanists are not as enamored with technology as their peers in other disciplines. Uses focus-group interviews with humanities faculty at an east coast university to examine their access to technology, technological skill and interest, concerns about digitized texts and art works, views on the digital library of…

Examines male and female high school students' attitudes toward computers in relation to gender and computer experience. Findings revealed: males showed a more positive attitude toward computers even when computer experience was controlled; females were less interested in computer science (CS) than males, however no gender differences were found…

Technology teacher education students (n=13) learning to use computer-mediated communication (CMC) in teaching found the courses' learning activities and strategies effective. Prior computer experience and learning style did not influence performance. They needed more help integrating CMC in instruction. Course length, assignments, and breadth of…

Describes the experience of administrators, teachers, and students in the first two years of Silver Oak Elementary School, a new school with technology-rich classrooms in San Jose, California. Highlights technology planning, problems resulting from technology use, parent involvement, teacher technology training, district envy, and teachers…

A survey of libraries in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System investigated types of technology on which staff received training, methods used to train staff, and differences in training for professional and paraprofessional staff. Found that training was available on PCs, automated systems, e-mail, and the Internet but that gaps…

Two aptitude-treatment interaction studies involving 61 college students examined comparative effects of metacognitive strategy training in self-questioning within cooperative group learning and traditional direct instruction on the acquisition of computing competence, learning anxiety, and positive cognition. Results support including cooperative…

Proposes that educators must go beyond computer literacy to achieve technological competence if successful integration of technology into the classroom is to occur. An educator who is technologically competent understands the relationship between basic computer functions and student learning, and uses this understanding to design, facilitate, and…

Applies notions associated with adult-learning theory in a case study that explores issues associated with teaching computer use to seniors. Topics include peer-led instruction; late adopters learning technology; learning in retirement programs; andragogy; self-directed learning; problem-centered learning; and instructional strategies. (Author/LRW)