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…

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…

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…

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)

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…

Presents a rationale for changing from the current emphasis of precollege computer courses on BASIC programming skills to a focus on teaching applications software skills. Reviews research regarding the quality of computer literacy courses. Discusses parallel cognitive and affective consequences of programming and applications software. Promotes…

Computer technology has nearly infinite potential for expanding the minds of children. However, at present a great discrepancy exists between what this tool for the mind is capable of doing and what child care centers, schools, and society allow it to do. Two computer-related activities that may be implemented with very young children are (1)…

The development of rudimentary programing skills during preservice and inservice teacher education programs appears to have substantial personal, educational, and professional benefits for teachers. This paper argues for the inclusion of programing skills as part of the effort to reform the teacher education curriculum. (Author/MT)

The nature of computer instruction that emphasizes student programing in elementary school settings is detailed. Several reasons for the approach taken are given and constraints that those who want to start elementary computer programs must deal with are noted. The receptiveness of girls to computers in elementary grades is noted. (MP)

This paper explores three components of academic computing--programming, productivity tools, and computer-based education--by reviewing the past, evaluating the present, and considering the future possibilities of the field. It is suggested that the future growth of academic computing depends upon the resolution of a number of issues: (1)…

Suggests factors to be considered in planning for the purchase of a microcomputer, including budgets, benefits, costs, and decisions. Major uses of a personal computer are described--word processing, financial analysis, file and database management, programming and computer literacy, education, entertainment, and thrill of high technology. (EJS)

Views of Arthur Luehrmann, an individual who has become known as one of the most vociferous advocates of computer literacy in educational computing, are presented. Spending four out of five days in a computer literacy course on computing and one out of five on awareness issues is advocated. (MP)

This overview of the home market for microcomputers and computer software presents a brief history of the development of the microcomputer and its use in the home. Factors which shape the home market are discussed, e.g., desire for improvement of educational skills, presence of children, previous experience with a computer, and decreasing prices.…

In response to the increasing use of computers in school by young children, this paper provides definitions of concepts and discussions of topics related to computers and young children. The first section takes up the issue of computer literacy, describing various uses of the term and discussing the controversy concerning teaching computer…