Comparative information technology : languages, societies and the Internet / Joseph Zajda, Donna Gibbs, editors.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

This volume offers a critique of the nexus between ICT and its impact on society, individuals and educational institutions. One of the most significant dimensions of globalisation has been the rapid development of information and communications technologies (ICTs). Our lives have been changed by ICTs in numerous ways and the implications for education are enormous. The ICTs have transformed the linguistic, cognitive and visual dimensions of human communication, as well as our perceptions of the self, and social identity in the global culture. They have facilitated the development of new dimensions of digital literacy, such as blogging and sms messaging. In this sense, cyberlanguage continues to evolve by borrowing and adapting familiar words, coining new expressions, and embracing particular styles. The book provides directions in education and policy research, relevant to transformational educational reforms in the 21st century.

Preface. Acknowledgements. Contributors. 1. Comparative Information Technology: languages, societies and the internet; Joseph Zajda, Donna Gibbs. 2. Abstract Tools and Technologies of Learning: An Evolving Partnership; David Butt and others 3. E-Learning in Schools: Making Successful Connections Jenny Fergusson, Donna Gibbs, Maree Gosper and Robyn Philip, Macquarie University. 4. What is Needed For Global E-Learning in Higher Education Patrick McAndrew, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. 5. Mobile Learning: The Significance of New Mobile and Wireless Communications Technologies for Education Gerard Goggin, University of Queensland. 6. Connecting Schools to their Communities: The South-East Asian Experience Cher Ping Lim and Mykint Swe Khine (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore). 7. Digital literacy and Activity Systems in Adolescents, José Luis Rodríguez Illera and Mónica Kaechele, Universidad de Barcelona and Universidad Católica de Temuco. 8. Digital literarcy and Using Online Discussions: Reflections from Teaching in Teacher Education, Anne Scott and Josephine Ryan, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne Campus. 9. Development of IT- infrastructure for Rural Connectivity: A Pro-Poor approach to e-Governance for Rural Development in India Karunamay Subuddhi (Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay: Mumbai). 10. Context is everything: an international perspective of its challenges to Research and the Evaluation of Educational Technology; Ellen B. Mandinach.