The author cites the arrival of the information age and considers its implications for special education. He suggests that special educators must build their information management skills. Four specific applications of microcomputers in special education are addressed: tool applications (in which students use microcomputer technology as personal…

A three-phase investigation served to identify, verify, and determine the importance of the competencies, and the categories within which they are clustered, on the Vocational Teacher Competency Profile for Microcomputer Applications. The 47 competencies and 5 categories were identified through a DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) activity during…

"Waterloo MacJANET," a local area network developed by the University of Waterloo for the Apple Macintosh computer, provides an environment appropriate for developing students' computer-related skills, minimizing both the human and the computing resources needed to support such courses. The system also serves as an efficient distributor…

The potential benefits of microcomputer adoption in education occur because of the low cost, ease of use, and versatility of microcomputers. The microcomputer has simplified the development of both computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction. Teaching computing is easier because the microcomputer becomes the object of instruction as well as…

Intended to provide educators with enough information about the educational uses of computers so that they can make responsible decisions about the usefulness of computers in their own instruction, this paper defines and describes a variety of computer uses and gives advice on the selection of appropriate computer equipment and software. The first…

This paper discusses the philosophy followed in Palm Beach County to adapt computer literacy curriculum, hardware, and software to meet the needs of all children. The Department of Exceptional Student Education and the Department of Instructional Computing Services cooperated in planning strategies and coordinating efforts to implement equal…

This paper describes the computer education programs for teachers that have been implemented by the Singapore Institute for Education. After examination of computer education programs in advanced countries, it was determined that the program in Singapore should include the following features: applications-based learning across the curriculum;…

Dangers are inherent in predicting the future. In discussing the future of computers, specifically, it is useful to consider the brief history of computers from the development of ENIAC to microcomputers. Advances in computer technology can be seen by looking at changes in individual components, including internal and external memory, the…

Efficient and convenient comprehensive information systems, long kept from coming into being by a variety of obstacles, are now made possible by the concept of distributive processing and the technology of micro- and mini-computer networks. Such systems can individualize instruction, group students efficiently, cut administrative costs, streamline…

This paper presents alternative ways microcomputers can be utilized in the educational process. These uses are: (1) learning from, with, and about computers; (2) learning about thinking with computers; and (3) managing learning with computers. Each of these uses is discussed as to its applicability to current educational practice and possibilities…

A definition of computer literacy is developed that is broad enough to apply to educators in general, but which leaves room for specificity for particular situations and content areas. The following general domains that comprise computer literacy for all educators are addressed: (1) general computer operations; (2) software, including computer…

An interpretive report of the conference "Creative Partnerships in Technology: An Open Forum," held in Atlanta, Georgia, fall 1983, is presented. The first section, "Computers and Learning," discusses the fact that the instructional capacity of the computer makes it possible to transcend the limits of the current educational…

This paper describes an inservice project designed by The Johns Hopkins University and the Baltimore City Public School System to help teachers acquire the skills necessary to effectively integrate computer technology into science instruction. From 1986 to 1988 the project was implemented in the large urban Baltimore school system with 100…

Six dimensions of computer literacy for social studies educators to address are discussed. In preparing social studies teachers for the 21st century, educators need to determine which aspects of computer literacy are essential to incorporate into teacher education. First, teachers must have knowledge of the basic sources of information, such as…

While many aspects of high technology may be directly applicable in the vocational agricultural classroom, the primary thrust of high technology into such programs, at least in the short range, will be centered around the microcomputer. Because of its cost and availability, the microcomputer will continue to play an ever increasing role in…