Noting a low rate of utilization of computers by content area teachers in their classrooms, this paper argues that classroom teachers are generally unaware of how computers can enhance teaching and learning and of how computers can be integrated into the curriculum. In response, an introduction to both productivity and instructional software is…

If computers were used ideally in education, each student would have enough computer time, each computer enough student time, and computer-based activities would be chosen well. The move towards using microcomputers in the schools has less to do with any clear and demonstrable instructional advantage of using them, and more to do with general…

Practitioners teaching new Internet users often report that adult learners are disappointed by their first experiences of the World Wide Web. This article focuses on problematic experiences of developing new web-based literacy practices, particularly for adult learners, and how they can be addressed without attributing difficulties to learners'…

Describes the problem of non-use of classroom computers in an elementary school mathematics laboratory, and the use of a needs assessment survey and principles of instructional systems design to solve the problem. (19 references) (CLB)

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…

The Maryland Task Force on the Use of Computers in Instruction conducted a statewide survey of the following components of a successful computer education program: planning; curriculum development; staff development; computer use; instructional equity; selection, maintenance, and evaluation of hardware and courseware; and parent and community…

Reviews current thinking on microcomputer hardware and software selection; outlines several ways in which microcomputers may be used in media centers (inventory, circulation, telecomputing, word processing, decision making, computing literacy, recreation); and identifies some commercially available software which fulfills the need of specified…

This paper describes the results of a study of the microcomputer use patterns reflected by more than 13,000 users' records from the microcomputer laboratory at Western Kentucky University for 1983 to 1986. The data analyzed focused on: (1) numbers of users; (2) frequent user groups; (3) sex differences; (4) prime time usage; (5) the use 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)