Level Of Technological Competence Research Articles

Teaching inside a digital classroom: A quantitative analysis of attitude, technological competence and access among teachers across subject disciplines

This study delves into the attitudes of educators toward online teaching, their technological proficiency, and access to technology, with a particular emphasis on examining potential gender distinctions. Employing a quantitative-descriptive-correlational research design, this research meticulously examines the intricate relationships among these variables. The primary objectives of this investigation involve scrutinizing teachers' attitudes toward online instruction, evaluating their technological competency, and gauging their accessibility to technology. The results reveal that, by and large, teachers exhibit a moderately favorable disposition toward online teaching, signifying their eagerness to embrace this pedagogical approach. Furthermore, these educators demonstrate a commendable level of technological competence, showcasing their adeptness in harnessing technology for instructional purposes. In the context of technological accessibility, most teachers report encountering minimal impediments; however, science teachers disclose relatively restricted access.A gender-based analysis of the data suggested a notable absence of significant disparities in attitudes, technological proficiency, and access between male and female educators. This finding substantiates the assertion that gender exerts a negligible influence on shaping teachers' perspectives regarding online teaching and their technological adeptness. Moreover, this research revealed a substantial positive correlation between teachers' attitudes toward online teaching and their technological competence, as well as their access to technology. This implies that educators endowed with enhanced technological proficiency and enhanced access are more likely to harbor favorable attitudes toward online teaching.The implications of these findings underscore the paramount significance of supporting teachers in augmenting their technological competence while simultaneously ensuring equitable access to technology resources. These two factors emerge as pivotal catalysts for facilitating the seamless integration of online teaching into contemporary education. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, where online instruction has become indispensable, the imperative for ongoing professional development and support has become unmistakably evident. This study calls for a sustained commitment to nurturing and further enhancing teachers' affirmative attitudes toward online teaching to effectively navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education.

Technological Competence and Pedagogical Content Knowledge Practices of Junior High School Science Teachers

The study aimed to assess the technological competence and pedagogical content knowledge practices of Junior High School Science Teachers in Southeast Butuan District 1, Division of Butuan City. A descriptive-correlational design was used, and data were collected from 31 science teachers in the district. A survey questionnaire was administered to assess the participants' level of technological competence in terms of using ICT in teaching, as well as their level of PCK practices in terms of Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK), Instructional Representation Strategies (IRS), Instructional Objective and Context (IOC), and Evaluation of Students Learning (ESU). The Net Agreement Rating (NAR) for their responses on the different areas of TPACK was recorded and cross-tabulated. The findings of the study indicated that the participants demonstrated high levels of technological competence in using ICT in teaching and high levels of PCK practices in relation to SMK, IRS, IOC, and ESU. The study also revealed a moderate positive correlation between the level of technological competence and pedagogical content knowledge practices of the teachers. This suggests that while technological competence may contribute to the enhancement of pedagogical content knowledge practices, there are other factors that can also influence effective teaching. Based on these results, it is recommended that further research be conducted to explore the impact of technology integration on the development of pedagogical content knowledge among teachers. Additionally, identifying other factors that may influence their PCK practices would be beneficial.

Experimental Analysis of Two Dissimilar Metal Alloy by Friction Stir Welding

Existing manufacturing technologies are continually improving as a result of the diversity and never-ending quest for a higher level of living. Demand for increasingly complex materials is growing in lockstep with developments in conventional manufacturing methods, resulting in new metal manufacturing breakthroughs including revolutionary welding technologies. Welding is a typical method of connecting metals and other materials. A number of welding procedures are employed in a range of sectors in today's globe. Friction stir welding is a cutting-edge welding process that outperforms standard welding procedures in a variety of ways. Because it eliminates the obstacles associated with traditional welding techniques, friction stir welding is employed as a solid state joining solution for materials like aluminium, magnesium, and other alloys, as well as hard materials like steels. This study paper explains the FSW concept and technique. It goes through some of the technological elements that influence the process and output of the FSW joint. Friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium has advanced substantially in the recent decade in every element of tool manufacture, including microstructure property estimate [2]. Thanks to the progress of efficient welding equipment and particular control systems, FSW of aluminium has reached a new level of technological competence, and the influence on butt joint arrangement is being explored. Ansys CFD Mechanical is a full-featured FE (finite element) structural analysis tool that can do linear, nonlinear, and dynamic analysis

The experiences of carers in supporting a person living with dementia to participate in virtual cognitive stimulation therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based group intervention for people with dementia. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many existing CST groups moved virtually and this required carers of people living with dementia to assist with setting up the appropriate technology. This study aimed to explore the roles and experiences of carers in accessing virtual CST (vCST). Methods This qualitative study used semi-structured individual interviews, via telephone or videoconference, to explore the roles and experiences of carers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results Twelve family carers (age: 51–75 years) reported a range of experiences, from novice to expert knowledge in terms of accessing digital devices (mainly laptops and iPads) and connecting to Zoom. Accessing vCST provided carers an immediate application of new knowledge. Carers reported positive responses to vCST that provided their family member living with dementia with social contact and cognitive stimulation during lockdown. Conclusion Accessing vCST required carers to have an existing adequate level of technological competence in order to learn and use the Zoom platform. Adult learning principles can be used to improve carers’ digital literacy required for vCST and other telehealth initiatives.

IoT-based Precision Agriculture Platform: A Review

Abstract: Technological advancements such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are helping to boost the global agricultural sector as it is expected to grow by around seventy percent in the next two decades. There are sensor-based systems in place to keep track of the plants and the surrounding environment. This technology allows farmers to watch and control farm operations from afar, but it has a few limitations. For farmers, these technologies are prohibitively expensive and demand a high level of technological competence. Besides, Climate change has a significant impact on crops because increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks, resulting in crop losses and potentially irreversible plant destruction. Because of recent advancements in IoT and Cloud Computing, new applications built on highly innovative and scalable service platforms are now being developed. The use of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions has enormous promise for improving the quality and safety of agricultural products. Precision farming's telemonitoring system relies heavily on Internet of Things (IoT) platforms; therefore, this article quickly reviews the most common IoT platforms used in precision agriculture, highlighting both their key benefits and drawbacks

РОЛЬ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТИ СТУДЕНТОВ БАКАЛАВРОВ В ОНЛАЙН-ОБРАЗОВАНИИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ПАНДЕМИИ

During the pandemic (COVID-19) universities all over Russia frequently switch students to distance learning. Beforehand, online learning has been regarded as just an alternative to the traditional learning format. In modern conditions, it has become the only opportunity (in some cases) to continue education. The modern scientific and practical literature contains the results of studies of the possibilities and effectiveness of using distance technologies in certain segments of educational services. The objective of the research is to analyze scientific publications devoted to the problem of the quality of online education. The purpose of the study is to find the relationship between the quality of online education and the level of technological competence of students. The result of this study is the determination of the explicit dependence of the formation of the technological competence of bachelor students and the success of their online education. It is concluded that in order to maintain the quality of education at the proper level during the transition to distance learning, it is necessary to actively form the technological competence of students from the first years of their studies. The author proposes to use modern online forms of education in face-to-face classes within the disciplines related to information and communication technologies, which belong to the disciplines of the compulsory part of the curriculum of the main professional educational program of higher education. In addition, it is proposed not to forget about continuous professional development in the framework of online education by teachers themselves.

Estudio exploratorio de los nativos digitales en el ámbito Universitario de la Región Mixteca

First year university students need to make efficient use of technological tools, but there is a lack of accessibility of these tools to students from rural communities. This is a problem as one of the sustainable development goals is guaranteeing quality education that is both inclusive and equitable for all students. In the case of rural areas, students cannot be considered “Digital Natives” just because they have grown up in the digital age, because they have not had the exposure to technological tools that their urban counterparts have had. Based on the case study methodology and in consideration of the foregoing premises, this article has applied a strategy to investigate the level of technological competence of the so-called Digital Natives entering the Technological University of the Mixteca (UTM). The study identified that first-year UTM students do not consider themselves to be Digital Natives and acknowledge having deficiencies in their knowledge in the use of technological tools. Additionally, incoming students face academic requirements and expectations for which most are not prepared. Despite the deficiencies, students show a disposition and ability to learn to use technological tools that allow them to achieve meaningful learning.

Non-linear effects of technological competence on product innovation in new technology-based firms: Resource orchestration and the role of the entrepreneur's political competence and prior start-up experience

The study applies the lens of resource orchestration theory to examine the nature of the relationship between technological competence and product innovation in new technology-based firms, and the moderating effects of the entrepreneur's political competence and prior start-up experience. Drawing upon a sample of 100 young technology-based firms, the results show that technological competence has an inverted U-shape relationship with product innovation, suggesting that returns to technological competence are increasing up to a crucial threshold level beyond which additional gains for innovation are decreasing. Political competence and prior start-up experience strengthen the positive effects of technological competence on innovation, with these abilities of the entrepreneurs increasing the optimal levels and innovation returns from technology competence. The results point to the level of technological competence and entrepreneurial competences as key contingencies that influence resource orchestration efficiency in the context of new venture innovation. These findings add to the burgeoning effort to advance research on resource orchestration at early stages of development of the firm, contributing to a deeper understanding of technology choices for value creation under conditions of limited resources and varying levels of individuals' orchestration capabilities.

Incorporating Digital Technology in the General Education Classroom

The implementation of technology-based pedagogic practices is becoming increasingly significant in higher education as the admission of digital natives increase. This generation of students, so defined as digital natives because they grew up using computers, tablets, smart phones and other digital technology, show a high level of technological competence, but exhibit deficiencies in competencies related to digital academic tools.
 A group of activities which supports learning, and facilitates student academic success, were compiled in a 28-item challenge for beginning General Education students, as a part of a Life and Study Skills course. Each challenge invited students to access some aspect of digital technology which has the potential to increase their academic competence. The main aim of the exercise was to increase students’ digital academic literacy, exposing them to applications and ICT skills which would increase their efficiency, self-efficacy and accuracy in executing academic tasks. The technology tools used were aimed at accomplishing tasks such as group formation and communication, notetaking, information capture, summarization, synchronous and asynchronous collaboration on tasks, referencing, formatting, grammar check, plagiarism and assessment.
 Students were challenged to complete particular tasks using specific applications. A screenshot of each completed activity was submitted as evidence of task completion. Students were given 28 days to complete the tasks, after which they were required to do two quizzes, using learning platforms they were exposed to in the challenge, demonstrating their new found proficiencies.

Looking at Interactive Whiteboards through the Eyes of Pre-service Teachers

There are a limited number of studies about the use of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) in higher education, specifically in teacher education. This study investigated pre-service teachers’ perceptions of IWBs. The pre-service teachers involved in the study were studying in nine different teacher training programs. To achieve this goal, a quantitative survey method was employed. Participants of the study consisted of 367 pre-service teachers, 110 male and 257 female, who were studying in diverse teacher training programs. Data were collected through the “Interactive Whiteboard Student Perception Scale for University Students”. The instrument consists of 18 items and three factors. Data regarding the participants’ demographics and perceived level of technology competence were also collected. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and ANOVA statistical analysis. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was also conducted to prove the construct validity of the instrument with a large sample. The result of CFA indicated appropriate fit indices for the instrument with three factors. The perceptions of pre-service teachers about the use of IWB were found as positive and high. Pre-service ICT and Physical Education (PE) teachers had the highest mean scores regarding the use of IWB in their courses. Post Hoc analysis indicated a significant difference relying on the department. The results also indicated that there is a significant mean difference between second and third grade pre-service teachers in favor of third grade pre-service teachers. A significant correlation was found between pre-service teachers’ perceptions about the use of IWBs and their perceived technology competence.

Technological Capability Building in the Brazilian Pharmaceutical Industry

ABSTRACTThis article presents a study of the level of technological capability of national pharmaceutical companies in order to assess their absorptive capacity of foreign technology for producing biological drugs. The research collected primary data through surveys of 24 Brazilian pharmaceutical companies (classified into three categories: state-owned laboratories, private pharmaceutical companies, and start-ups), who answered a closed questionnaire about technological capabilities and learning strategies. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics regarding the type of organization, level of technological competence (basic, intermediate, and advanced), and the nature of technological competence (operational and innovative). The results show that private pharmaceutical companies have a greater capacity to absorb foreign technology due to their previous experience with incremental innovation. In contrast, the state-owned pharmaceutical laboratories lack technological competencies in production and research and development (R&D) and therefore must make veritable “technological leaps” to comply with the demands of Brazil’s Ministry of Health. The start-ups, however, although standing out in terms of the degree of novelty of their technological innovations, lack the complementary assets to exploit economically the results of their R&D and are dependent on local industry to bring new products to market. Regarding technological learning, which requires a more active strategic positioning by the firms, most organizations proved to be dependent on public policies to invest in technological capability building, focusing strictly on incorporating technology for drug production (except for some private pharmaceutical companies), without seeking to advance in technological innovations.

Ancient silver extraction in the Montevecchio mine basin (Sardinia, Italy): micro-chemical study of pyrometallurgical materials

Different pyrometallurgical materials such as slags, refractory materials and thermally treated lead ores likely related to smelting and extractive processes and chronologically related to Punic and Roman periods (IV–III BC) have been found at Bocche di Sciria and Conca e Mosu in the Montevecchio mine basin (south western Sardinia, Italy), where archaeological findings and classical authors locate extractive metallurgy activities since pre-Roman times. By means of the combined use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), selected-area X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and optical microscopy (OM), micro-chemical and micro-structural investigations have been carried out in order to identify the nature of the pyrometallurgical materials, to decipher the processes carried out there and their technological steps and to determine the technological level of competence reached by the ancient metallurgists. The results confirm that the findings can be associated with smelting and extractive processes carried out close to the metal ore deposits first for the argentiferous lead production and, then, for the silver recovery via a cupellation process. Finally, the results disclose the high level of technological competence of the ancient metallurgists able to carry out complex high-temperature processes to treat the argentiferous lead ores and to recover low amounts of silver via high-temperature lead-selective oxidation.

Archaeo-metallurgical studies of tuyeres and smelting slags found at Tharros (north-western Sardinia, Italy)

A large number of pyrometallurgical materials such as tuyeres, slags and refractory tools likely associated with metal extraction processes have been found at Tharros (north-western Sardinia, Italy) during archaeological excavations stratigraphically related to the Phoenician–Punic period (VI–III centuries BC). Micro-chemical, micro-structural and mineralogical studies have been carried out by means of the combined use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected-area X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) in order to identify pyrometallurgical processes and main relevant technological parameters. The results reveal that tuyeres, slags and refractory tools can be associated with an iron ore smelting process to extract the metal by slagging the unwanted by-products. Moreover, temperature and duration of the smelting process have been estimated through mineralogical studies and by a comparative analysis between the micro-chemical and structural features of thermally treated refractory materials and tuyeres. The results disclose the high level of technological competence of the ancient metallurgists able to carry out complex high-temperature processes to extract iron from ores by separating the metal from unwanted siliceous species.

User Unfriendly: Consumer Struggles with Personal Technologies, from Clocks and Sewing Machines to Cars and Computers by Joseph J. Corn (review)

Reviewed by: User Unfriendly: Consumer Struggles with Personal Technologies, from Clocks and Sewing Machines to Cars and Computers by Joseph J. Corn Kathleen Franz (bio) User Unfriendly: Consumer Struggles with Personal Technologies, from Clocks and Sewing Machines to Cars and Computers. By Joseph J. Corn. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011. Pp. v+272. $55. Much like popular-advice literature written by users for users, Joseph Corn begins User Unfriendly with his own vexed encounters with machines. An early adopter of personal computers in the 1980s, Corn reflects on his struggles with PC and printer to raise new questions about the consumption of personal technologies. As he notes, scholars of consumption have too often lumped personal technologies in with other kinds of goods, overlooking the unique experiences of choosing, learning to use, repairing, and maintaining machines. By focusing this study on all aspects of technology consumption, from shopping to repairing, he redefines how we think about consumption and user-technology relationships. "Personal technologies," Corn argues ". . . can be user unfriendly in ways that traditional goods are not."We must learn to do things "the machine's way," and such learning demands a great deal. Early adopters suffer the most, but all consumers face similar demands (p. 13). Corn begins his exploration of unfriendly technologies in the nineteenth century. Material life before 1800 involved consumption, but most everyday technologies were fairly traditional. Consumers knew how to use them. Then along came clocks, sewing machines, and perhaps the most complex consumer technologies, automobiles and personal computers. The six chapters move chronologically from the introduction of mass-produced clocks in the early nineteenth century to the present day, with the first chapter discussing sewing machines and other nineteenth-century consumer technologies, chapters 2 through 5 focusing on the automobile, and chapter 6 looking at computers and digital technologies. Finally, an epilogue takes the reader back to contemporary and personal questions about our relationship to unfriendly, non-intuitive, and just plain problematic design. As Corn points out early, not all machines challenged consumers. He compares unfriendly technologies with ones that were relatively easy to understand and use. Sewing machines, for instance, presented domestic consumers with a befuddling array of choices. The machine demanded that users learn to decipher new kinds of manuals and technical writing, and adopt new practices of maintenance, such as oiling parts. Other technologies were not so demanding. Corn examines the adoption of the bicycle, telephone, and snapshot camera to illuminate a sliding scale of difficulty. While all these things required some new learning or new physical habits, or upset cultural conventions, they also drew on familiar skills. [End Page 434] Early automobiles promised many benefits for buyers but were often the epitome of user unfriendliness. They were the largest, most complex machines that nearly all consumers would own. As such, Corn makes them the centerpiece of the book. Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 dissect the challenges of purchasing, running, tinkering with, and reading about the inner workings of the automobile, respectively. While the automobile promised freedom of mobility, it demanded a level of technological competence previously unknown to most consumers. Early adopters had to sort through a variety of options, from electric and steam to internal combustion. They often got machines that were intentionally incomplete, like the Model T, and that required owners to purchase amenities from after-market parts suppliers. Even as the car became more complete and more reliable in the 1930s, the process of purchase could still feel like a form of consumer hazing. Corn explores knowledge acquisition not as diffusion but as a complex, challenging process that included grappling with design and reading about the technology. As other scholars have shown, the car posed challenges that were wholly new. He defines these as starting, steering, shifting gears, stopping, and supervising maintenance (p. 93). Owners learned to master the machine through classes, from other drivers, and, as with other technologies under discussion in this book, through manuals. Corn adds much to the scholarly conversations on visual culture and technological know-how through his analysis of technical writing. He argues convincingly that advice manuals and articles became "historical actors in their own right" (p. 150). Although the style...

Fermeture éclair by Carl Aderhold

Creative Works edited by Nathalie Degroult Aderhold, Carl. Fermeture éclair. Paris: Lattès, 2012. ISBN 978-2-7096-3626-1. Pp. 331. 18,50 a. If this novel were marketed in the United States, perhaps retitled as “La coupe du monde des chômeurs,” it would result in higher sales. But the French surely appreciate the chosen title (a play on words), which reflects the closing of a factory under circumstances that, it becomes increasingly evident, are murky rather than clear. Additionally, the French see marketing as less important than Americans do. However, both countries scorn dishonest business practices, such as the CEO getting an intern to incite workers to barricade him and other administrators in their offices to gain the sympathy of the public and thus get away with rescinding promises of compensation previously offered to the workers. Similarly, manipulating the results of soccer games for political gain and winning by committing fouls behind the referee’s back are all practices soundly condemned in both nations.Laurent, one of the workers and the main character, suffers from low self-esteem and an inability to express his true thoughts at work and at home, thus weakening the relationship with his wife, Sylvie, whom he truly loves even though he cannot express it. He is similarly inexpressive with his son, Maxime, to whom he is indifferent. An interesting facet of the narrative is the change that gradually occurs in Laurent, as a result of his involvement in the workers’ protest and later while playing on his team in the“World Cup”competition. His growing confidence and assertiveness are important components in the dénouement of the novel. Other characters, representing a variety of social classes and nationalities, are also transformed in their self-worth and their relationships with each other, first when they are disgruntled because they are the last to remain working at the factory while the others have been laid off, later as they form a soccer team and travel through Europe in the“World Cup”competition, and finally by achieving sweet revenge on their despised boss. Laurent’s son, Maxime, evolves from an insecure high school student into a fabricator of stories on Internet blogs and ultimately a successful entrepreneur who loves and supports Laurent and his friends. Maxime’s ruminations on the fall of the Roman Empire, which he attributes to the Romans’ desire to fight, as compared to the French desire to achieve success and glory with very little effort, provide the clearest commentary on current society. A high level of technological competence is likewise admired in both the United States and France.Maxime’s computer skill:hacking into security cameras at the factory—converted, ironically, into a foundation to promote fair trade and sustainable development—and transferring funds illegally contribute a key impetus to advancing the plot. The novel is an enjoyable and humorous read, which should be appreciated by a variety of readers who are aware of our changing society and who grasp the implications of these changes. Messiah College (PA) Lois Beck 256 FRENCH REVIEW 87.1 ...

Degradation mechanisms occurring in precious metallic artefacts

Since ancient times, precious metallic artefacts have gained a remarkable interest from a historical, artistic and economical point of view. They were used as jewels or artistic items but also for currency, medium of exchange and form of saving, and in many cases were manufactured with a high level of technological competence. Several Roman and Phoenician–Punic gold, silver and copper‐based, gold and silver‐plated artefacts characterised by a wide compositional range and different metallurgical nature have been studied to identify the microchemical surface structure and the metallurgical features. Four case studies are reported. The investigation was carried out by means of the combined use of surface and microanalytical techniques, such as XPS, X‐ray diffraction and SEM equipped with an energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer. The results revealed that the artefacts surface is characterised by a thin layer of insoluble corrosion products like AgCl, Ag2S or AgCuS, CuS, Cu2O, Pb or Cu‐carbonates mixed to form a complex composite structure. The presence and the concentrations of these corrosion compounds is strongly related to the archaeological context. The overall experimental findings confirm that the nearly pure gold artefacts and the gold‐based artefacts are more stable with respect to the silver ones where the ubiquitous presence of chlorides is often found. The microchemical and micromorphological characterization allows to identify the plating and manufacturing techniques. Several methods were used by the craftsmen, including fire gilding, a highly complex and sophisticated method based on the use of mercury. Finally, the proposed approach may help, when feasible, to preserve, restore and protect the artefacts without causing further damaged. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Competition favors the prepared firm: Firms’ R&D responses to competitive market pressure

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on the long-debated relationship between market competition and firm research and development (R&D) by investigating the effect of competitive market pressure on firms’ incentives to invest in R&D. The paper shows that a firm's R&D response to competitive market pressure depends primarily on its level of technological competence or R&D productivity: firms with high levels of technological competence tend to respond aggressively (i.e., exhibit a higher level of R&D efforts) to intensifying competitive market pressure, while firms with low levels of technological competence tend to respond submissively (i.e., exhibit a lower level of R&D efforts). The differential effect of competitive market pressure on firm R&D, conditioned primarily by the level of firms’ technological competence, is empirically supported by unique firm-level data from the World Bank. Furthermore, the role of firm-specific technological competence in conditioning the R&D–competition relationship is more evident and statistically more significant for firms facing consumers whose utility is relatively more elastic to product quality than to price.

Product Change Intensity, Product Advantage, and Market Performance: An Empirical Investigation of the PC Industry

Product change decisions, such as the frequency of new product introductions, can impact product performance characteristics, sales, and market share of several generations of products and, therefore, a firm's long‐term survival and growth. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a firm's product change frequency, also referred to as product change intensity. A conceptual model linking a firm's product change intensity to its product advantage—and, in turn, to its market performance—with strategic product change orientation and technology competence as moderating effects, was used as a foundation for the study's hypotheses. These were tested using hierarchical and linear regressions, based on survey data collected from 55 U.S. companies in the personal computer (PC) industry. The analysis confirmed that a PC firm's product rate of change is positively associated with its product advantage and that its product advantage, in turn, is positively associated with its market share and growth performance. However, the hypothesized moderating effects were not confirmed. Rather, a firm's product change orientation and its level of technology competence are more likely to have a direct impact on product advantage. The implications of these findings are that, in general, firms that release new products frequently will have them viewed more favorably by the market than products with lower change intensities. Also, firms with higher levels of competence in the product technology domain tend to create products with greater market attraction. Finally, more radical changes to PC product architectures may pay off better than relatively minor changes. These results may not apply to other industries due to the specific design of personal computers and the nature of this fast‐paced market. Neither do the findings necessarily apply to all firms regardless of those firms' specific product and market strategies. More research is necessary to understand how a firm's adopted strategy, and the industry in which it operates, affect the relationships demonstrated in this study.

A trajetória do aprendizado tecnológico nos censos demográficos no Brasil

O estudo analisa o desenvolvimento tecnológico do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE, focalizando os projetos censitários, desde sua origem até o advento do Censo Demográfico 2000, tendo por principais fundamentos teóricos os conceitos da acumulação tecnológica (BELL; PAVITT, 1993), associados às competências dinâmicas (TEECE; PISANO; SCHUEN, 1990) e à visão de inovação e aprendizado (DOSI, 1988). A análise dos dados aplica a estrutura analítica de aprendizado e acumulação de competências tecnológicas (FIGUEIREDO, 2001) em níveis gradativos de dificuldade e complexidade, classificando os recursos geradores de inovação e socialização de conhecimentos e seus efeitos nos processos organizacionais. Os dados da pesquisa foram coletados no ano de 2002, por meio de pesquisa documental e entrevistas com funcionários das diretorias técnicas do IBGE. O estudo demonstra que o órgão demorou 50 anos para evoluir de um nível básico de experimentação tecnológica, assimilada de países desenvolvidos, até renovar sua tecnologia nos anos 1990, iniciando um processo contínuo e autóctone de geração de conhecimento. Em 2000, logrou alcançar um nível internacionalmente avançado de competência tecnológica passível de exportação. Ao final, o estudo avalia que a visão compartimentada dos órgãos públicos tende a criar "ilhas de especialização" e a não otimizar o uso de tecnologias recém-defasadas.

Program reflections on the role of longitudinal digital portfolios in the development of technology competence

Digital portfolios in teacher education provide opportunities to conceptualize learning and growth over time. The digital portfolio experiences of two secondary teacher education students in the context of an entire preservice teaching experience are presented. These vignettes, along with programmatic observations from the past four years, indicate that high‐level uses of educational technology are difficult to facilitate in large teacher education programs using a technology infusion model that emphasizes general skills. Whereas many teacher education programs have abandoned required technology courses to jump start National Educational Technology Standards‐based competence, the authors argue that advanced courses in educational technology for teacher education majors are still necessary for curricular integration with technology. This article concludes with a discussion of the nature and level of technology competence in relation to portfolio development and makes recommendations for how programs might pursue similar models.