Discussion of the role of teachers' confidence in using computers in the successful implementation of information technology in education focuses on a study that investigated common factors that could be used as indicators of computing confidence among a group of teachers who work in schools that use computers in their educational programs in…

Discusses WebQuest, an inquiry-oriented Web-based classroom learning tool, in terms of its applicability to classroom learning situations, particularly its ability to inspire critical thinking. Compares WebQuest to a critical thinking framework to determine its effectiveness in inspiring critical thinking skills. (Author/LRW)

Describes a project to infuse technology into elementary school and university classrooms that was implemented in two Professional Development Schools in order to impact the learning and achievement of elementary students by equipping pre-service teachers with the necessary skills to fully utilize modern technology in their future classrooms.…

Describes a study of first- and fourth-grade students that explored the relationship between the use of a computer paint program to create visual images and the subsequent verbal expression of these illustrations. Discusses results that compared the use of traditional media with the computer paint program. (Author/LRW)

Total costs were determined for five separate models of connecting schools to the National Information Infrastructure. The results indicated that hardware was a fraction of the overall cost, start-up costs increased at a faster rate than annual ongoing costs for more complex models, and costs were significantly reduced when aggregated at the…

Describes how using spreadsheets helped seventh grade algebra students develop problem-solving skills. Topics include the functional dualism of the spreadsheet as a text, uniting enactive and numeric modeling of word problems, new meanings and reciprocal learning, learning through problem "posing," higher levels of thinking, and decreasing…

Describes how a version of the Tuckman Teacher Feedback Form (TTFF) was used to measure teachers'"personality" factors as perceived by students. The instrument included 28 sets of bipolar adjectives to use in describing the teacher. Findings revealed that the application of technology to instruction improved students' perceptions of…

Reports the results of a five-year case study of the use of online tools, including the Internet, e-mail, and the World Wide Web, in a graduate School of Education. Highlights include use of activity theory as a conceptual framework; self-efficacy and perceived value; scaffolding; and recommendations for future developments. (Author/LRW)

Investigated learning styles and students' perceptions of the helpfulness of Internet-based methods of instruction among students enrolled in Internet-based courses at four Nevada community colleges. Discusses reflective learners, active learners, global learners, and sequential learners, and suggests further research needs. (Author/LRW)

Reviews research that focuses on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and suggests implications for limited English proficient (LEP) students, both native and nonnative speakers. Highlights include narrative and meta-analytic research; reduction in learning time; attitudes toward computers; self-esteem; and the interaction of…

Discusses educational programs for at-risk limited English proficient (LEP) students and describes pilot studies with fourth graders that tested the feasibility of interactive videodisk lessons (IVL) for LEP students. Topics discussed include socialization, mediation, and cognition; video technology in the classroom; and the role of the teacher.…

Discussion of the use of computers in schools focuses on a training and support project in using microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) techniques for secondary science teachers in the state of Hawaii. Results are reported for MBL use, teachers' perceptions of the usefulness of MBL, and needs for program improvement. (20 references) (LRW)

Describes study that was conducted to determine whether Logo instruction could improve the attitudes of fifth grade students toward microcomputers and toward school in general. Differences in gender and ability groupings are explored, treatment of experimental and control groups is described, and the Computer/School Questionnaire developed for the…

Reports on a program developed in Indiana public schools to hold software evaluation workshops that would compare teacher and student evaluations of the same software. The evaluation process is discussed; tutorials, drill and practice programs, simulations, and games are examined; and tests for correlation are described. (21 references) (LRW)

Describes the use of the Flesch readability and interest formulae to evaluate textbooks intended for use in college level introductory educational computing courses. Variables that influence what textbook is chosen for a college course are discussed, and readability scores, human interest categories, and subject matter coverage are examined in…