Discusses the potential that definitions of visual and television literacy offer for understanding computer literacy. Three areas of visual literacy research covered include visual communication and languaging; visual processing and thinking; and general definitions of visual literacy. Anderson's television literacy objectives are also reviewed.…

Argues that trends in upper elementary and higher education computer science programs should lead to programming as focus of high school computer curriculum, and reviews philosophies supporting teaching of programming. Advantages and disadvantages of using Pascal and other languages are discussed and compared. Teacher information sources on Pascal…

This paper discusses two conflicting opinions on the role of computer education within the West German school curriculum, i.e., the opinion of the majority of the education ministers and administrators, who wish to see computer use distributed over as many school subjects as possible, and a minority of specialists in computer education who prefer…

Compares the expert, spiral, and reading approaches to instructional strategies for introductory computer programming courses. Based on ACT (Adaptive Control of Thought) theory and relevant research, the differences between declarative and procedural instruction are identified, and six tactics used to design courses and evaluate strategies are…

Reviews relationships between training and formal education, defines computer literacy, and discusses ways education for computer literacy might provide foundations for subsequent training and retraining in an increasingly automated and information-rich environment. Effects of different levels of investment available for motivated training and…

This article argues that computer literacy is especially useful for medical students because it supports cognitive processes needed for effective learning and professional practice. Three approaches are compared: learning about computers, using computer-assisted instruction, and using computers in daily work. It is concluded that none is…

A study was conducted at a large, state-supported college in the Northeast to establish a mechanism by which a popular software package, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), could be used in psychology program statistics courses in such a way that no prior computer expertise would be needed on the part of the faculty or the…

This study conducted at Texas A&M University compares two types of training approaches using ERIC SilverPlatter (ERIC SP). Education students received either: (1) a one hour training session on basic search commands and strategies, or (2) a four page instructional handout that described basic search commands, Boolean logic, and special…

This discussion of the development of information technology in developing nations is based on case studies of seven Asian countries. The experiences of the countries are compared in terms of the infrastructure development, organizational processes, applications, human resources development, and public awareness. (CLB)

Presents procedures for a needs assessment where the instructional situation is identified and instructionally oriented needs are expressed through an instructional requirements matrix, as well as a description of the capabilities of microcomputers and their relationship to various instructional activities. A survey of microcomputers and their…

Considers the computerization of an English-language placement test for delivery on the World Wide Web. Describes a pilot study to investigate potential bias against students who lack computer familiarity or have negative attitudes towards technology, and assesses the usefulness of the test as a placement instrument by comparing the accuracy of…

Data from a national survey of microcomputer uses in schools are used to demonstrate differences in access to and uses of computers by students. Factors examined include race, socioeconomic status, sex, achievement, and ability level. Also discussed are inequality and inequity and the need for additional research on computer impact. (RP)

Discusses factors that should be considered before purchasing a computer, given the objectives of computer literacy; considering programing in Pascal or Logo, computer-assisted instruction, teaching practical applications, art and music, special education, telecommunications, administration, and library management. A chart showing prices and…

Describes a study that compared the expressed objectives of teachers using computer-based information handling packages in the classroom against recorded classroom outcomes. The areas of skill and knowledge acquisition, learning strategies, sociopsychological issues, and life skills are discussed. (9 references) (CLB)

Discussion of computer literacy, database technology, and higher-order thinking skills focuses on a study that compared the problem-solving performance of fourth-grade students receiving search strategy training during computer-assisted instruction with students who did not receive training. Time spent on problems and the number of correct answers…