The convergence of an intense information society and economy; rapid technological changes; and embedding of lifelong, flexible, and cooperative learning approaches is creating unparalleled learning opportunities. Capitalizing on these opportunities requires transformation of principal leadership and classroom practices. Students must become Web…

Describes a classroom e-mail project conducted during the 1996-97 school year in a southern suburban school. The project involved three fourth grade teachers and their students, and was developed collaboratively among faculty at a nearby university, the principal, and the fourth grade teachers. Reports on the project's activities, problems…

A survey of all students enrolled in computer courses at a Colorado high school during fall 1997 revealed positive perceptions of the courses' value. Students enrolled in desktop publishing and word processing courses were more satisfied with these courses than were those enrolled in literacy lab, vocational education, and keyboarding classes.…

Presents tips, gleaned from federal research, to help parents understand how their children are doing in school, including: know what is expected; know the child's reading level; understand test scores; solicit teacher feedback; become familiar with the child's homework; use report cards to identify overall progress; stay attuned to social skills;…

Business, community members, and county government cooperated in establishing a literacy center in Catoosa County, Georgia, that provides free GED classes; courses in English, math, basic reading, computer skills, and parenting; and classes offered by a local technical college. Free classes, child care, and GED tests and a flexible schedule remove…

Media literacy helps teachers relate to today's students, prompts new approaches to curriculum, and encourages teachers' professional growth. This paper explains what media literacy is; the benefits of media literacy to both teachers and students; student needs related to telecommunications; curriculum applications of media literacy; and teacher…

Examines how an elementary school faculty in a technology-rich environment are acquiring expertise to effectively use technology to facilitate instruction for children. Describes the technology and discusses efforts for staff development. Proposes a model for staff development that includes both computer and curricular innovations. (Author/AEF)

Consistent with Einstein's notion that imagination is more powerful than knowledge, a University of British Columbia program prepares teachers to teach elementary students computer literacy through the arts. Arts computer fluency and literacy can be a fun, creative platform for acquiring general computer skills, arts-based skills, conceptual…

This study was designed to examine the effect of different kinds of adult mediation on the cognitive performance of young children who used computers. The study sample included 150 kindergarten children aged 5-6. The findings indicate that children who engaged in adult-mediated computer activity improved the level of their cognitive performance on…

Many colleges and universities require incoming students to demonstrate a prescribed level of computer proficiency. Currently, many educational institutions offer introductory computer courses to assist students in meeting this requirement. Other institutions are considering eliminating introductory computer courses with the expectation that…

In developing countries like India, the onus of development lies mainly with the government, which faces the predicament of multiple demands and limited resources. This leads to a situation where even fundamental objectives such as basic literacy for all are not met. On the other hand, there exists a vibrant private sector, which has resources and…

This paper reports on a study of computer-mediated communication within the context of a distance MA in TEFL programme which used an e-mail discussion list and then a discussion board. The study focused on the computer/Internet access and skills of the target population and their CMC needs and wants. Data were collected from 63 questionnaires and…

With the increasing prevalence of Internet-based courses in higher education, it is important to examine students' experiences to provide an optimal learning environment. This research found that students reporting positive attitudes about their online course experience exhibited attributes of constructivist learners, including self-direction.…

Exposure to computers in school may help young people gain the computer literacy they will need to function effectively in society. The amount of access to computers at home is often directly related to socioeconomic factors. Examining the extent to which students have access to computers either at school or at home may help predict how prepared…

This paper discusses the need for students and faculty at small, under-funded academic libraries in rural areas, such as the University of Maine at Machias, to have Internet proficiency so they can access more sources of information. Small academic libraries in remote areas often lack the resources for students to conduct adequate research without…