This volume reports on the initial phase of a technology assessment of personal computers. First, technological developments that will influence the rate of diffusion of personal computer technology among the general populace are examined. Then the probable market for personal computers is estimated and analyzed on a functional basis, segregating…

This study traces the introduction of microcomputers in two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in San Diego County, California. To determine whether or not the process of introducing microcomputers in education includes the necessary elements for change outlined by S. Saranson--i.e., a positive concept of the change,…

As a part of a larger research project intended to aid university planners, 2,027 faculty and staff at a large western university were questioned about their interest in telecommunications services. Of those surveyed, 366 faculty and 466 others--41%--returned the lengthy mail questionnaire, which included questions about computing, videotex, and…

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in the anxiety levels and attitudes of black educators toward microcomputer use resulting from participation in a one-semester laboratory course in microcomputer applications. Data were collected over a one-semester period from a class of seven black educators with advanced degrees at Mississippi…

This paper focuses on the challenges of using photographic evidence while conducting evaluation and research. The viability of photo-interviewing is discussed as part of a perception-based model of evaluation to describe and judge a technology infusion program in higher education. The program involved the use of a software tool, HyperCard, as a…

This study examined the effect of microcomputer use on classroom social organization and curriculum. To determine whether teachers who have a microcomputer available for instruction use time and space differently and make modifications in what they teach and how they teach, observations of four elementary school teachers (grades two through six)…

This document reports results from an exploratory investigation into the adoption and use of microcomputers in the home, which involved interviews with 77 home computer owners, 19 individuals who were in the process of computer adoption, and a small sample of home computer manufacturers and retailers. The first two chapters provide information on…

Distance educators, particularly those in developing countries, are facing the implementation of massive education programs with little research to guide them. Some developing countries have used established programs from other countries as models to provide low-cost instruction for basic literacy and job training; however, in many cases, they are…

As schools acquire and use computers for educational purposes, two major questions arise: (1) whether students from different strata of society will obtain equal access to computers, and (2) whether students from different strata of society will be taught similar or different uses of the computer. To explore the relationship between the…

Satellite telecasts and videotape are discussed in this two-part paper, which is based on the preliminary experiences of Project BEST (Basic Education Skills through Technology), a dissemination project for communicating about the use of technology in teaching basic skills, and providing functional experience with new information communication…

The use of microcomputers in elementary education is described by focusing on an empirical study of computer use in a 10% random sample of elementary schools in one large local education authority. The inclusion of people at the "grass roots" level was considered to be a priority. Interviews of school-level administrators, teachers, and…

The introduction of computers in the Department of Accounting and Finance at Manchester University is described. General background outlining the increasing need for microcomputers in the accounting curriculum (including financial modelling tools and decision support systems such as linear programming, statistical packages, and simulation) is…

A preliminary case study used repertory grid and stimulated recall techniques to examine how teachers make sense of the impact of microcomputers on their work. Emphasis was on how teachers construe their classroom influence in relation to the actual use of microcomputers and to idealizations of their use. A version of the Kelly (1955) repgrid was…

A program referred to as Language Skills Computer Assisted Instruction (LaSCAI) was chosen to assist volunteer tutors in improving the reading skills of adults. The program was demonstrated at two libraries--one rural and one urban--and an evaluation was completed to determine its applicability in enhancing the on-going tutoring programs at these…

The process of planning the role of the microcomputer in higher education administration is investigated through a survey of a sample of universities and colleges in California engaged in such efforts, and through a review of literature in education as well as computing. A major objective of the study was to systematically investigate the…