Explored gender differences in home computer use and control beliefs about computer use in 152 Norwegian eighth graders. In the group of students without computer training or use at school, males had greater perceived control and greater confidence. No gender differences were found for the group with computer training in school. (SLD)

Discussion of computer conferencing in distance and higher education focuses on a study that examined the reactions of lecturers in the Information Management Division at Queen's University (Belfast) to the possibility of using computer conferencing. Perceived benefits and drawbacks for both instructors and students are discussed. (10 references)…

Responses from 2,340 Open University students (52% women) showed that more men than women had access to computers at home and work; only 32% of women used networked communications; men were more likely to use e-mail and the Web at home; and gender differences were less significant at work. (SK)

Illustrates the possibilities of freely or inexpensively connecting a library to the Internet. Discusses the advertising-supported approach; local resources for free or budget Internet resources; public access catalogs; examples of free Web materials and of libraries that have achieved a low-budget Web presence; building an effective planning…

Examines the pedagogic usefulness of the computer by focusing on changes in student attitudes and use of computers in a computer-enriched environment using data from a longitudinal study at Wake Forest University. Results indicate that a networked institution where students have easy access can foster positive attitudes. (Author/LRW)

The author shares ways technology may empower students and how it has enabled her as a teacher to expand beyond some of the traditional boundaries for writing, reading, and assessment. In the discussion, the importance of economic and environmental equity and the need for theory to inform pedagogy are emphasized. (AEF)

Surveyed Internet-using children about their experiences with and perceptions of computer technology. Respondents valued the role of computers in their lives for entertainment, accomplishing goals, and becoming competent and empowered. They believed computers and the Internet improved their lives. Most children had computers at school, but nearly…

Describes the Interactive Multimedia Distribution System (IMDS) at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) that started as a library information system and evolved to include campuswide access, interactivity, random access, random search, multimedia authoring, cross-platform capability, Web environment, media digitizing, video on…

Examined assumptions about access to technology and use by teachers in two high schools in California's Silicon Valley. Observations and interviews with 21 teachers and 26 students show that access to equipment and software seldom led to widespread teacher use and student use. When teachers did use technology, they were likely to sustain, rather…

Suggests that gender gaps that once existed with regard to computer access, use, and perceived expertise are narrowing significantly. Findings are based on survey data from 512 middle school students in three areas: self-perception of computer skills and their acquisition; exposure to technology at home and at school; and media style and content…

Provides percentages of public schools and instructional rooms with access to the Internet. Between fall 1994 and fall 1998, access to the Internet in public schools increased to 89%. Schools with a high student poverty level were less likely to have Internet access than schools with low student poverty. (Author/SLD)

Presents options that travelers can use to keep in e-mail contact. Discusses equipment/access issues related to traveling with a laptop; Internet cafes; free e-mail services; accessing home mail via a Web page; and new options e-mail access for travelers. Includes Internet resources on Internet access providers. (AEF)

Explains political factors in the development of the 1966 Telecommunications Act and how it helped elementary and secondary education in acquiring computers to connect to the Internet; describes the communications revolution; considers the role of government; and discusses how the Internet is changing the entire system of higher education. (LRW)

Reviews problems in ensuring satisfactory information technology (IT) teaching and learning for English secondary students, explaining how these circumstances can impact student teachers training to be IT teachers when they are placed in secondary schools. Strategies for preservice teacher education include preparing student teachers for differing…

Describes a study of Finnish elementary and secondary school teachers that analyzed relations between teachers' skills in using the new information and communication technology (ICT), their pedagogical thinking, and their self-reported practices. Topics include technical ICT skills; access to computers; information technology use; and age and…