Describes attributes of a good computer manual: it should clarify the expected expertise of its audience; use common terminology; provide installation instructions and sufficient high-quality "hands-on" tutorial instruction; list common errors and their corrections; contain an adequate index and a quick reference guide; and be pleasant to use.…

Describes the facilities and programs of two major hands-on learning centers for children: the Capitol Children's Museum in Washington, D.C. and Sesame Place in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Computer-oriented activities are emphasized. A table describing several other hands-on learning centers accompanies the text. (JL)

Argues that most school systems in the United States fit into one of the five evolutionary stages of computer use: initial experimentation, state legislative involvement, search for software, initial computer integration, and full integration. These stages are described and tips on how to choose the best computer software are given. (MBR)

Considers the impact of learning to program upon the intellectual and personal development of children. The excitement of computer mastery, the usefulness of programing as an introduction to "real world" problem solving, and computer programing as an aid to increased understanding of subject matter are discussed. (JL)

Discusses the need for researchers to determine what should be tested and how when evaluating educational computing programs, describes efforts of Educational Testing Service's National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to measure the impact of computers on achievement, and concludes that it will not be easy to evaluate computers' effects.…

Reports on an informal round-table discussion with educators and computer science experts about computer literacy and the role of computers in education, which was conducted at the National Educational Computing Conference. (Author/JJD)

Discusses fluctuating federal support for education, and the recent renewed interest in education by support of emerging computer technologies via such congressional bills as the Computer Literacy Act and Computer Education Assistance Act. Provisions of several bills, their potential impact, and prognosis for their passage are also discussed. (MBR)