Argues that access to technology can be defined in two ways: (1) what students don't have--the digital divide runs along ethnicity and income lines; and (2) what is available, such as assistive technology for those with cognitive or physical disabilities. Speculates on the future of accessibility. (Contains 25 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Describes the development of native technology projects through an effort called the Indigenous Digital Communities Initiative (IDCI). The goal of IDCI is to build skills among Native people in using emerging technologies for preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures. Describes program at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in New…

Describes a study that examined technophobia in elementary and secondary public school teachers as an explanation for low levels of computer utilization. Highlights include empirical studies of technophobia; technophobia interventions; demographic differences; computer availability and use; computer anxiety; computer attitudes; and predictive…

Describes a study that was conducted to explore factors that influence the adoption and use of electronic networks and network services by science and engineering faculty at six small universities and colleges. Topics include intensity of use, physical access to a networked workstation, and perceived access. (Author/LRW)

This study surveyed 240 students in a New Zealand secondary school on socioeconomic (SES) background, gender, time spent using computers, applications, educational goals, keyboard competency, and attitudes toward computers. No differences were found in computer access across ability, gender, and SES divisions; however, females continue to use…

In a program sponsored by the Apple Crossroads III Educational Grant, American Indian students at Pine Ridge High School (Oglala, South Dakota) use computers to enhance their study of Lakota history and culture and other subjects and to communicate with other schools. This program has increased student interest in school and improved student test…

Suggests that "digital differences" is a more appropriate view of the situation facing educators than the concept of the "digital divide." Introduces five principles providing direction for the design and development of technology-enhanced educational activities appropriate to the diversity of students-with-computer-access:…

Explored the relationships among technology, reform, and equality through quantitative studies at an elite private school and an impoverished public school. Although reforms appeared similar, underlying differences in resources and expectations reinforced patterns by which the two schools channel students into different futures. (Author/SLD)

The Census Bureau's 1999 Survey of Income and Program Participation found that Internet access and computer use by people with visual impairments is substantially (30 percent) less than that for people with no disabilities. Age, employment, and the presence of additional impairments also affected computer use. Results suggest over a million…

Describes how systems librarian-related mailing lists are used by information professionals. Examination of 12 selected mailing lists and their geographic distribution reveals a great gap existing between developing and developed countries, with the United States in the dominant position. Knowledge background, technical limitations, and language…

Describes a longitudinal study of college students in the United Kingdom that examined factors affecting computer use. Results show situational factors, including access, training, and time, affect student computer use, but academic staff tend to focus on the needs of their department and should focus more on the student perspective. (Author/LRW)

Examines concepts that are closely associated with distance education. Discusses the beginnings of open education; open access and admission criteria; course availability; access to technology; the E-rate program for those on the less fortunate side of the "digital divide"; beyond flexibility; and the learner's responsibility for learning. (AEF)

Conveys that the reliance on information technologies may disenfranchise those students unable to secure access to computers and the knowledge needed to use them. Addresses the issues behind technological segregation and asserts the need to replace the personal computer (PC) with a network computer (NC). Technological segregation affects all…

Describes a study conducted to examine the accessibility of community college Web pages for individuals with disabilities. States that a random sample of 260 pages was selected for evaluation and analyzed using the Bobby 3.2 software package. Found that 77% of the pages were not approved as content accessible. Urges colleges to make Web pages more…

Discusses the labor shortage of information technology (IT) workers and suggests that a potential source for workers is women and minority populations. Topics include cultural differences which contribute to the lower representation of some populations; census data on computer use and ownership; and the need for positive role models, access, and…