A first lesson in learning the computer programing language BASIC, this article explains how to give instructions to the computer; the commands PRINT, NEW, LIST, and RUN; and how to do simple line editing. There is a short quiz at the end. (EAO)

The article describes the Turtle Tot, a Logo powered robot that helps hearing impaired students make the transition from the concrete geometric movement of their bodies to the directed geometry of computer Logo. (CL)

Discusses the "computerphobia" phenomenon, separating the valid reasons for some individual's anxiety about computers from their irrational fears. Among the factors examined are fear of breaking the computer, use of unclear documentation, lack of time for learning how to use the computer, and lack of computer knowledge. (JN)

Traces the evolution of the author's course on Computers in the Humanities from the late 1960s to the present. Suggests new frontiers in computing that will be relevant to humanities education. Concludes that all students need access and orientation to computer possibilities including algorithmic experience, word processing abilities, and database…

One training center overcomes "computerphobia" by using people-oriented trainers working one on one with the computer. People need to learn to be boss of their computers. Recommendations include: giving the computer a "dumb" name, and reading the manual every three months. (MD)

Discusses various definitions of computer literacy, including those from the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium and LOGO codeveloper Daniel Watt. Notes a disagreement over whether computer literacy includes programing knowledge. Mentions the problem of "information literacy" (involving data banks) and lists books, magazines, and…

Stresses the importance of teaching "structured programming," and gives examples of good and bad programing styles and suggestions for teaching good programing techniques. The language used is BASIC, and numerous examples are provided. (EAO)

This installment of the series presents computer-oriented activities in computer awareness and programming for students in grades seven to nine who have been introduced to BASIC programming skills. Included are writing programs to solve algorithms, simulating an event, or producing graphics and sound. (EJS)

The authors state that the need to define functional computer literacy is likely to be an ongoing one. They discuss computer literacy skills, barriers to universal application, comprehension skills, and mastery of the operating system. (CT)

Discusses the second session of a Vassar College workshop on computers and the humanities which focused on how to teach computing to humanists. Arguing for a holistic approach, the author outlines the material to be taught and how to teach it. Emphasizes ample hands-on training, and instruction in general computer principles not the specifics of…

Discusses the state of computer use in classrooms and cites several problems. The consideration of computers as "toys," elitist attitudes, administrator/teacher/parent demands, computer manufacture pressure, and lack of a clear definition of computer literacy are addressed. Suggestions for improvement are included. (DH)

Presents computer-oriented activities in computer awareness and programing for students in grades 10-12. Intended for use by teachers of all disciplines, activities include such topics as prediction, interpretation and generalization of data, computer systems, PASCAL and PILOT programing, sampling techniques, computer survival, invasion of…

Seymour Papert, the inventor of the computer language LOGO, claims even small children can learn to program computers. Children must think through what they want the computer to do and thereby develop a deeper understanding of the material. (Author/MLF)

Describes a microcomputer laboratory run by the University of Kansas School of Education that offers courses in computer literacy to elementary students, university students, teachers, and administrators. Laboratory sheets used are included. (JM)

Discusses a Vassar College workshop and the debate it generated over the depth and breadth of computer knowledge needed by humanities students. Describes two positions: the "Holistic View," which emphasizes the understanding of the formal methods of computer implementation; and the "Expert Users View," which sees the humanist…