Reviews the Pupils' Learning and Access to Information Technology project that was conducted in elementary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland to investigate the impact of using portable home computers on students' learning. Performance gains are examined, and operational issues in the use of portable computers are discussed. (Contains 17…

This fourteenth article in a series on the principles of the AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology) Code of Professional Ethics focuses on the issue of equitable treatment, using an example of providing equitable computer technology in a school district. (LRW)

Discusses computer access in schools; explains how to determine sufficient quantities of computers; and describes a formula that illustrates the relationship between student access hours, the number of computers in a school, and the number of instructional hours in a typical school week. (six references) (LRW)

Describes the use of computer technology in two very different high schools in New York City: one is a magnet school that attracts the top students from the city; the other is one of the most violent schools and has a high percentage of immigrants and at-risk students. (LRW)

Discusses the use of computer conferencing in education; addresses difficulties involved in conferencing software, including computer literacy, the communications technology, the conferencing interface, integration with other software, and limitations on access; and describes FICS (Friendly Interface to Conferencing System) that was developed at…

The uses of computers in the classroom are discussed, and the implications of these uses in an information-based society are addressed. Three types of computer applications are examined: learning about computers and their relation to society, including computer programming; learning through computers, which includes drill-and-practice, diagnostic…

Discussion of positive and negative aspects of educational computing focuses on the use of the Logo programing language. Topics addressed include access to computers; software; teacher training, both preservice and inservice; implementation of computers; claims about the benefits of using computers; the role of schools in culture; and future…

Although computer use in a variety of educational environments has grown tremendously in the past five years, issues of who uses the computer and how they use it are arising. Preliminary research indicates that computer access is related to both socio-economic status (SES) and sex, with male students from wealthier school districts being most apt…

Describes a study that examined technophobia in elementary and secondary public school teachers as an explanation for low levels of computer utilization. Highlights include empirical studies of technophobia; technophobia interventions; demographic differences; computer availability and use; computer anxiety; computer attitudes; and predictive…

Discusses guidelines that were developed to ensure that the National Information Infrastructure provides expanded opportunities for education and training. Topics include access requirements for homes and work places as well as schools; education and training application requirements, including coordination by federal departments and agencies; and…

Considers five distinct issues that must be addressed in order to integrate technology into schools and plan for it effectively: infrastructure, including the National Information Infrastructure; professional development for teachers; content and software, including cost effectiveness; equity and access; and financing. (LRW)

This paper discusses computers and their potential role in education. The term "byte" is first explained, to emphasize the idea that the use of computers should be implemented one "byte" or step at a time. The reasons for this approach are then outlined. Potential applications in computer usage in educational administration are suggested, computer…

Firsthand classroom observations on the use of computers in instruction reveal some excellent uses of the computer, particularly with reading and writing instruction. Yet there are many schools in which most children are denied access to computers. The children most likely to be using computers are those who attend suburban or small city schools…

Discusses the need for computer equity and equal access to computers for all students in public schools. Measures to overcome inequities are suggested. (MH)

Discusses the seriousness of the digital divide-the discrepancy between technology-literate and -illiterate people-in rural areas in the United States. Reports that rural young, minority, and single-parent households lag behind the national average in both personal computer ownership and Internet access. Offers suggestions for ways rural community…