Animated pedagogical agents (APAs) have the potential to provide one-on-one, just-in-time instruction, guidance or mentoring in classrooms where such individualized human interactions may be infeasible. Much current APA research focuses on a wide range of design variables tested with small samples or in laboratory settings, while overlooking…

Administrators can help teachers follow six steps to gain the skills and confidence to use computers in the classroom: (1) familiarization with microcomputers, (2) understanding classroom computer applications, (3) acquiring parent and community support, (4) finding appropriate software, (5) introducing computers to students, and (6) evaluating…

The report summarized findings from a study of organizational issues involved in the use of microcomputers in special education programs in 12 school districts. Background of the study and details on site selection were given. Features of the selected districts (urbanicity, number of schools, enrollment, predominant ethnicity, and number of…

Technical, interpersonal, and managerial skills are necessary in order to assume the responsibilities of a computer supervisor. Technical skills refer to computer proficiency and include an in-depth awareness of the methods and procedures needed to implement various facets of computer education in school settings, such as knowledge of computer…

Describes 10 steps which can guide an educator through the process of introducing computer-assisted instruction. This guide can be used for implementing computerized instruction at any educational level. (JJD)

The author provides an introduction to microcomputers in the schools by answering the type of questions a teacher without computer background might ask such as "What is a computer?"; "What is a microcomputer?"; "How can I teach children to program?" (SJL)

After much study, administrators at the Garland Independent School District (Texas) adopted a minicomputer-based system which provides curriculum development for kindergarten through grade 12. The process of implementing computer-assisted instruction in this district is described. Results after the first year and teacher training are examined. (JN)

Describes a 1981-82 pilot project in the use of computers in grades one through eight by six schools in two suburban Washington, DC, school districts. Despite "the many obstacles and barriers to computer literacy," three of the six schools made "amazing progress." (JBM)

Suggestions are made for choosing microcomputers for instructional design. Elements discussed include hardware (system components, selection procedures, operations and hardware); equipment suppliers; software development (database management, simulation); and implementation (acquisition of hardware, probable difficulties). (CT)

This guide for the implementation of educational technology in the Troy (Ohio) City Schools begins with a discussion of the advantages of technology use in schools; the mission statement for the Troy schools; educational technology-related goals for the school district; the educational technology mission statement; and educational technology…

To provide computer literacy training for its elementary and secondary schools, the Indianapolis city-wide school district is midway through a three-year, $10 million project involving the installation of more than 10,000 microcomputers linked by numerous local area networks. This program of coordinated resource sharing is described. (JN)

This article discusses strategies for encouraging children with and without disabilities to have fun together and learn with computers, the rationale and benefits of inclusive computer play, and the outcomes of a study in which children engaged in inclusive computer play. Recommendations for materials, grouping, and scheduling are provided.…

This handbook introduces some fundamental ideas on designing, implementing, and facilitating a distance learning course. It offers specific strategies for topics ranging from choosing delivery technologies to encouraging collaboration among scattered distance-learning students to testing and other evaluation methodologies. The book is broken down…

This handbook was written to enable elementary school educators to conduct formative evaluations of their computer integrated instruction (CII) programs in minimum time. CII is defined as the use of computer software, such as word processing, database, and graphics programs, to help students solve problems or work more productively. The first…

Guidelines for purchasing computers and for curriculum planning are offered as a beginning for educators interested in computers. The first section includes eight steps to take in planning for a computer, a chart of a microcomputer infusion model, an article on rating the microcomputers, and guides to understanding the rating factors and computer…