This review of the literature begins by exploring the development of computer literacy as a discipline since its introduction in colleges and universities around 1965 and in economically privileged high schools around 1970. The impact of a conference sponsored by the National Science Foundation and Human Resources Research Organization in 1980 on…

Discusses the need for a method to measure computer user abilities, and presents an instrument that identifies individuals' technical, modeling, and applications skills. An evaluation of the instrument in terms of validity and reliability is reported, and applications in user education research are suggested. (12 references) (CLB)

Policy strategies for integrating microcomputers into public school curricula in a manner conducive to quality control and social equity are described. Educators should establish and maintain standards of excellence for instructional software, evaluating it prior to purchase, informing parents of purchasing criteria, and providing a list of…

Education courses in BASIC remain a foundation of teacher training for computer use. Such courses do little more than re-invent programming structures that are already available in such educational programming languages (EPLs) as PILOT and TEACH. While BASIC is the only general programming language that is both simple and powerful enough to enable…

Designed to provide a link between academic thought and research and the practice of teaching, this monograph explores the appropriate educational response to technological change. The central argument of this study is that future job opportunities will lie essentially with low tech jobs, i.e., traditional, basic, industrial jobs, rather than the…

Explores the wide range of issues involved in the introduction of computers into Third World schools, and cautions Third World educators that it is their responsibility to temper their educational planning in the area of computers with some exploration of the detrimental side effects of improper implementation. Seventeen references are included.…

The establishment of university microcomputer services for the public has at least two purposes: the promotion of the image of the institution with widely diverse groups and the maximization of the university's capital investment. The first step in planning to serve the public is to undertake a needs assessment by locating target populations…

This examination of computer equity argues that current educational trends--which emphasize teaching applications of computers rather than programming--will limit the computer skills of students. Added to this difficulty is the argument that some students (often minority and female students) need not be pushed to learn programming if they don't…

This final report analyzes computer literacy and the use of computers in the public schools and community colleges of North Carolina, based on testimony from educators and administrators at the university, community college, and public school levels; from organizations concerned about education; and from corporations that produce computer hardware…

Reviews the growth of library networks and bibliographic utilities, and describes the concept of a national bibliographic network. The impact of microcomputers, the increased computer literacy of librarians, preferences for local autonomy, and the availability of commercial online services on the desire for a national system are discussed. (CLB)

Analyzes a teacher training course taught for two subsequent years in Italy in which students investigate how computers can be used as tools to improve the learning process. The course topics examined, working method adopted, and results obtained are discussed, and suggestions are made for training present and future teachers. (Author/MBR)

Discusses implications of the current educational reform movement, which concentrate on improving the school's ability to increase economic productivity. The omission of discussion about helping individual students gain a modicum of control over their lives is related to the role schools play in a society where individualism has been subordinated…

Some basic concerns about the proliferation of computers in schools are stated: (1) Educational goals for children should be established as a first priority, then what computers can do to help achieve those goals should be examined; (2) Very few pieces of software are useful in schools, and teacher education programs should explore what is needed…

The world outside of schools has changed four to five times faster than the world inside. Students live in a technological, information-based society that is increasingly driven by global competition. Students in other countries score better in applied knowledge than do U.S. students. (MLF)

This study presents composite profiles of teachers who were interviewed in order to assess how they are being affected by the challenges and opportunities presented by computer technology use. In-depth interviews were held with 76 teachers from 10 sites around the country, and the interview data were analyzed to identify themes and to construct…