Data for the Oregon Microcomputer Survey were collected in May 1989 via questionnaires for each of the department heads in a stratified random sample of 94 middle and high schools throughout Oregon. Designed to obtain information on the perceptions and reactions of the department heads to the status of microcomputers in their departments, the…

This survey, which covers the 1985-86 school year, is the third statewide computer survey by the South Carolina Department of Education. The report provides an overview of the instructional and administrative uses of computers in 92 of the state's 94 districts including the following elements: (1) subject areas in which computers are used; (2)…

A project was undertaken to evaluate software available for teaching business and office skills and to determine which software products are currently being used by business and office occupations teachers throughout West Virginia. Ninety-four of the 164 West Virginia teachers to whom a questionnaire was mailed responded to the survey. Although…

This guide summarizes and evaluates 48 educational software packages for special educators working on the specific skill areas of keyboarding, language arts, math, personal/social skills, problem solving, readiness, and reading. Each review is written by a teacher and covers strengths and weaknesses of the software, suggested activities for its…

A report on a two-year study of the use of microcomputers in language arts programs in Ontario provides information on the following topics: background and orientation of the study; project goals and methods; summary of needs and recommendations from the first year of the study; results from the second year; and general recommendations. The study…

A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the use of computers in Arizona vocational education and to provide a profile of those uses. Data were collected through telephone and on-site interviews of approximately 100 persons involved in vocational education at high schools and community colleges. Although the study concluded that…

A needs assessment of microcomputer use in Illinois school districts was conducted as a basis for developing resources for identifying microcomputer applications for administrative, instructional, and student purposes. A 20-item questionnaire mailed to 200 Illinois school district superintendents and administrators addressed current and potential…

Provides an overview of a project designed to develop a comprehensive, state-mandated program to reduce teacher paperwork through the use of microcomputers. Describes the survey conducted prior to developing the program, a pilot test, and the implementation of an acquisition plan for hardware and software. (TW)

This study reports the results of a questionnaire mailed to 700 teachers probing uses of computer software in Maine special education programs. Findings based on a 54 percent response (N=381) indicate no significant differences in educational level, previous training, gender, years of experience, or age between computer users and non-users.…

A project was undertaken to identify machine shop occupations requiring workers to use computers, identify the computer skills needed to perform machine shop tasks, and determine which software products are currently being used in machine shop programs. A search of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles revealed that computer skills will become…

A New Mexico study interviewed 1 special education teacher and 1 administrator from each of 17 small rural school districts, via a 65-item interview guide related to staff development needs. Lack of staff development activities was identified as a critical problem for special educators. Training in instructional technology was the most frequently…

In December of 1986 and January of 1987, questionnaires on teaching practices in science and mathematics were sent to elementary school principals in Indiana. The first questionnaire, completed by 301 administrators, concerned manipulative use of materials in science and mathematics. The second questionnaire, completed by 317 administrators,…

The Technology Advisory Committee of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recently conducted a survey to assess the status of state-level policies affecting the use of calculators and computers in the teaching of mathematics in grades K-12. The committee determined that state-level actions related to the increased availability of…

"Keeping Pace" has several goals. First, it strives to add to the body of knowledge about online education policy and make recommendations for advances. Second, it serves as a reference source for information about programs and policies across the country, for both policymakers and practitioners who are new to online education as well as those who…

This report is the third in a series of annual reports looking at the state of online education across the country. The goal of "Keeping Pace" is to be a useful document for policymakers and practitioners, and as such it takes a journalistic approach to research and writing instead of an academic approach. This report has two goals: first, to add…