A brief discussion of why it is important for students to be familiar with computers and their functions and a list of some practical applications introduce this two-part paper. Focusing on how the computer works, the first part explains the various components of the computer, different kinds of memory storage devices, disk operating systems, and…

Stresses the importance of teaching "structured programming," and gives examples of good and bad programing styles and suggestions for teaching good programing techniques. The language used is BASIC, and numerous examples are provided. (EAO)

Describes the design of a BASIC computer program which enables students to learn BASIC in the context of top-down structured projects and discusses a specific example which uses a program to teach students about double-scripted variables and data structures. (MBR)

Discusses development of a software collection at New York Public Library for use with public access computing services. Highlights include computer literacy, languages, and software pertaining to programing, simulations, business, tutorial, graphics, and music. A core list of recommended software titles geared for use on the Apple II…

In April of 1984 the Aroostook (Maine) Computer Educators, in conjunction with the University of Maine at Presque Isle, conducted a computer programming contest for county students in grades 4-12. This document describes the structure of that contest, including grade level groupings (4-6, 7-9, and 10-12); rules for team membership; the schedule…

Discusses the list processing capabilities of Logo. Describes some examples of how to use this aspect of Logo to enhance computer literacy and English-language skills. (TW)

Examples are provided which illustrate that both adults and children can become fluent in computing, discussing a juggling program (Logo) which demonstrates the power of the techniques of structured programing to solve problems. Issues related to teaching computer literacy are also discussed. (JN)

These curriculum materials are designed for teachers of students in grades six through nine to use to teach general computer literacy and rudimentary programming in BASIC. Sections on history, what microcomputers can do, and computer anatomy have been written so they can be copied and placed in the hands of the students in the intended audience,…

The basic principles of computing are explained and a discussion of how a computer performs its "logical" functions is presented. A dictionary of some computer terms is provided. (MLW)

This report compares two methods of teaching BASIC programming used to develop computer literacy among children in grades three through seven in British Columbia. Phase one of the project was designed to instruct children in grades five to seven on the arithmetic operations of writing simple BASIC programs. Instructional methods included using job…

A Vermont high school has developed a series of graduate-level inservice courses to introduce teachers to computers in a systematic, cost-effective way. Course offerings include software evaluation, computer literacy, educational uses of the computer, LOGO, and BASIC. (TE)

These proceedings include 31 papers presented at the 1985 conference of the Alaska Association for Computers in Education. Generally oriented toward the use of microcomputers in elementary and secondary schools, papers deal with both administrative and instructional microcomputer applications. Topics addressed include: microcomputer literacy…

Points out difficulties associated with teaching introductory computer programing courses, discussing the importance of computer programing and explains activities associated with its use. Possible solutions to help teachers resolve problem areas in computer instruction are also offered. (ML)

Discusses the rationale, aims, and objectives of introductory computer courses and suggests an improved approach to designing such courses to prepare pupils for a computer-based society and to improve problem solving through structured programing. Criteria for evaluating and choosing an appropriate programing language are listed. (EAO)

Reviews such computer assisted instructional techniques as simulations, tutorials, and educational games, suggesting that educational software and computer-literate teachers are needed before electronic education becomes pervasive. Additional areas addressed include programming languages, providing sample BASIC, LOGO, SMALLTALK, and SOPHIE…