Designed to answer basic questions educators have about microcomputer hardware and software and their applications in teaching, this paper describes the revolution in computer technology that has resulted from the development of the microchip processor and provides information on the major computer components; i.e.; input, central processing unit,…

The need for teacher level administrative tasks is identified. One solution offered is Computer Managed Instruction with a review of the literature and a model showing teacher, computer, and student interaction. A chart of important criteria for evaluating Computer Managed Instructional Systems is supplied. After synthesizing conclusions, some…

The role of the computer as manager of instruction in special education is discussed. In Part 1, basic computer terms are introduced under the major headings of data measurement, hardware, and software. Part 2 focuses on selection criteria for microcomputers. Suggestions for evaluating software are given in terms of ease of use, documentation,…

The five papers in this collection examine the existing trends in the use of microcomputers in educational planning and management. In the first paper, "Reflexions sur l'Ordre du Jour" (French), Michel Saint-Germain addresses contextual factors surrounding the use of computers, priorities that must be accounted for before developing new…

In examining microcomputer uses in education, consideration must be given to hardware, software, and most importantly, the people who will use them. The educational software market is being affected by hardware manufacturers, educational publishers, independent software houses, user groups, and classroom teachers. Each of these groups has clearly…

The implicit power of modern communications technologies to improve citizenship education is explored in this paper. The relationship between the use of educational technology and the effectiveness of social studies instruction are only beginning to be studied, and these inquiries have been focused more upon the "harder" science…

Developed to fill a gap in preservice and inservice training, the materials focus on training special education administrators and program specialists to use computers in program management. Materials include packets to be reproduced for participants as well as outlines, transparency masters, lists of audiovisual materials, and scripts for…

This update on computer technology--as it affects learning assistance directors and developmental education personnel--begins by reporting on new developments and changes that have taken place during the past two years in five areas: (1) hardware (microcomputer systems, low cost PC clones, combination Apple/PC machines, lab computer controllers…

This paper underlines the need for training teacher educators and developing readiness that will enable them to adapt the benefits of information technology for use in teacher education and related research. Information technology and its challenges for teacher education are examined, as far as the student is concerned, from two points of view:…

The design of the CAI interface described is based on the microprocessor in order to meet three basic requirements for providing appropriate instruction to the developmentally handicapped: (1) portability, so that CAI can be taken into the customary learning environment; (2) reliability; and (3) flexibility, to permit use of new input and output…

A pilot study comparing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) generated with the assistance of the UNISTAR I microcomputer software program and teacher-written IEP is briefly described, and an IEP is appended. In addition, the time and costs associated with the development of IEPs and the interest in the application of microcomputers to develop…

Ways in which microcomputers can be used in cooperative vocational education programs in secondary schools are presented. It is stated that the future of cooperative education depends on its ability to be accountable for the time that students spend outside of the classroom and that the microcomputer can be an effective tool in meeting this need.…

A study was conducted to determine microcomputer hardware, software, and inservice components of secondary marketing education programs. A questionnaire was developed and sent to 420 teacher-coordinators in 42 states. A total of 225 (54 percent) usable returns were tabulated at the University of Wisconsin-Stout Computer Center. Results of the…

Administrative and instructional uses of microcomputers with hearing impaired students (infants to junior high level) are described. Uses include data storage and retrieval, maintenance of student history files, storage of test data, and vocabulary reinforcement for students. (CL)

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…