Given the large gap between the millions of adults in need of basic literacy skills and the shortage of teachers, tutors, and funds to serve them, computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has the potential to reduce the gap. The merits of CAI include its holding power, provision of a positive learning environment, opportunity to learn about computers,…

This report presents findings from a national survey on the extent of microcomputer use in elementary and secondary schools. The survey results indicate that: (1) in half of the schools with microcomputers, only one or two are regular users; (2) many teachers have become more than mere computer users and spend much time on programing; (3) in…

The author discusses current uses of computers in adult basic skills instruction. Compares three primary systems available for purchase in adult literacy instruction: (1) Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO), (2) Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC), and (3) Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Presents…

Discusses five areas in which microcomputers have a major effect upon vocational education: computer literacy, computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, managing instructional resources, and applications in vocational fields. Also discusses the need for inservice education for vocational educators to keep abreast of the…

The 88 papers included in this publication are organized into seven groupings used as themes in the conference, "Computing Knows No Borders." The topics are: Administration (12 papers); Computer Studies (13 papers); Educational Tools (10 papers); Logo (7 papers); Software (9 papers); Special Education (8 papers); and Teaching (16…

Discusses inequities in computer use in terms of: (1) distribution between wealthier and poorer schools; (2) number of Title I and non-Title I students taking programing courses; (3) differences among tracks within the same school; and (4) sex differences in computer uses. Raises questions about efficiency and equity of computer oriented…

Discusses the benefits of nontraditional school practices in facilitating the "educational match" between black children's learning styles and the instructional environment. Focuses on the advantages of providing black children with "active learning" through computer programming, and recommends ways to improve the preparation of educators for…

Powerful applications such as Microsoft Office's Excel and Word are widely used to perform common tasks in the workplace and in education. Scripting within these applications allows unanticipated user requirements to be addressed. We show that such extensibility, intended to support office automation-type applications, is well suited to the…

Clarkson University provides each student with a Zenith microcomputer, the cost covered by tuition, eliminating many problems of computer availability and opening doors in the curriculum that were previously closed. (MSE)

The article explores some of the history that has led to the current emphasis on teaching educators to use computer applications without teaching the underlying computer programing or computer science, arguing that all teachers should receive some instruction in computer science and computer programing. (SM)

Explores some of the issues raised by the introduction of computers into society and, in particular, questions concerning the impact, both direct and indirect, of the availability of computers on the young. (CMG)

This booklet presents evidence to support the idea that distinctions between the instructional and research applications of the computer are becoming blurred. The issue includes contributions from authors who are at the forefront of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) development in their respective fields. An attempt is made to represent most…

Poses some questions and practical answers to help teachers and students use computers effectively in science classes. Sample questions include: Does the increased use of computers in classrooms inhibit any student's progress toward scientific literacy? How do males and females respond differently to computer use in science classrooms? and How can…

Focusing on ways in which Oregon educators have made use of computers, the 47 papers in this proceedings show substantial progress in some areas and point out some unanswered research, instructional, learning, and management questions. The contents are divided into three general areas: Curriculum Applications, Learning and Teaching, and Classroom…

Instructional uses of computers with primary through higher education students is the focus of this extensive collection of 61 papers. The papers are categorized by the subject areas of computer-based education, computer science, the computer as a tool in undergraduate education and beyond, computer services, engineering, mathematics, physics,…