Readers of Classroom Computer Learning were asked for a definition of computer literacy; a summary of their responses is provided. Three opinions offered are that computer literacy instruction should begin early, that it should be made compulsory, and instruction should also focus on use of tool programs and education software. (JN)

The first volume of a two-volume computer science curriculum guide, reflecting the technology of the mid-1980s, presents 61 lessons on advanced computer literacy topics for high school students. The majority of the lessons focus on advanced programming skills in BASIC. Other topics covered include word processing, printers, document management,…

Computer literacy is now considered a basic skill as important as the Three R's in Florida, where instructors have been given a legislative mandate to ensure it. A leader in this movement shares the written standards that support this mandate and explains how they were developed. (JN)

Judah Schwartz, co-director of the newly National Institute of Education-funded Educational Technology Center (which will investigate ways various technologies can have positive effects on K-12 mathematics, science, and computer science), offers his views on various topics and issues related to computer science education. (JN)

Discusses how computer literacy objectives were determined for the 269 K-12 Department of Defense Dependent Schools, two years ahead of schedule. Also notes how these student objectives were implemented. (JN)

If teachers are to use computers in the classroom or train students to use computers, they must first be trained themselves. This training should provide knowledge of educational computer applications, computer terms and operations, courseware evaluation techniques, and elementary programing skills. An ongoing staff development program should also…

When a core curriculum degree requirement in computer literacy was approved at Hardin-Simmons University (a small, private institution), a committee of faculty members developed the course specifications. They include a weekly one-hour lecture and a two-hour laboratory to achieve eight educational goals. These goals and the course format are…

The gap between male and female participation in elective mathematics is now being replicated in computer classes. School districts implementing computer education programs should take action to ensure sex equity. (MLF)

Suggests approach to teaching definitions and concepts of computer programs to learners at all age levels by using words (string manipulations) rather than numbers. An outline of a possible sequence for introducing the BASIC programming language is given. Two references are cited. (EJS)

This curriculum guide outlines a course on computer literacy for junior or senior high school students reflecting the technology of the early 1980s. A chart shows computer literacy scope and sequence for students in kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-6, and grades 7-9. Forty lessons for the intermediate grades and high school are then presented,…

Describes the evolution of a text processing course into an integrated and elaborate communications curriculum. Summarizes the experiences and observations associated with the efforts of an advanced educational technology center's assessment of the role of the computer in the workplace. (ML)

This curriculum guide presents lessons for computer literacy instruction in the elementary grades. The first section of the guide includes 22 lessons on hardware, covering such topics as how computers work, keyboarding, word processing, and computer peripherals. The 13 lessons in the second section cover social topics related to the computer,…

Introduces a flexible, versatile notetaking system, BASIC Microcomputer Notes, which helps college students preorganize notes to systematically record most unique types of information (program statement numbers, verbatim computer commands, subroutines, flowcharts, and diagrams) presented in a beginning microcomputer programing course. (MBR)

Description of Northwest Council for Computer Education's efforts to develop computer education guideline competencies to aid in developing teacher training programs. Discusses stages of information gathering; issue identification and definition; and formulation, evaluation, and dissemination of competencies. Competencies for elementary and…

Developed by the Michigan State Board of Education, this document begins with brief discussions of a philosophy for the integration of computers into all content areas and district planning for computer use in schools. Essential goals and objectives for computer education are then outlined in the following areas: (1) computing and its evolving…