The paper describes concepts and principles resulting in successful applications of computer technology to the needs of the disabled. The first part describes what a microcomputer is and is not, emphasizing the microcomputer as a machine that simply carries out instructions, the role of programming, and the use of prepared application programs.…

Generally, there are three kinds of software that could be used in college writing courses: word processing programs, interactive questionnaires, and text parsers. Although the benefits of these programs are well known, they still pose some problems. Word processors, for example, have been designed to "process" existing text; few have…

Summer Tech '84 was the product of a joint venture of the College of Education of Ohio State University and the Columbus Ohio Public Schools to provide instruction on the use of microcomputers to citizens of the Columbus metropolitan area. For four weeks, 80 different 10-hour classes were offered in eight areas: introductory computer literacy,…

This paper describes an undergraduate-level course designed to teach the applications of computers that are most relevant in the social sciences, especially psychology. After an introduction to the basic concepts and terminology of computing, separate units were devoted to word processing, data analysis, data acquisition, artificial intelligence,…

Many computerized educational activities are controlled by the student as well as by the hardware or software being used. When the student can make decisions that will affect the responses of the computer, the computer becomes a tool for exploration and is not merely a vehicle for delivering instruction. Some of the activities that involve student…

This paper presents the results of a study designed to determine the computer anxiety, attitudes, and confidence levels of students enrolling in preservice teacher education computing courses. Specific questions compared these students with national norms, and looked to see whether sex, age, or past computer experiences had any effect on measures…

This report presents preliminary descriptive data from a national survey of U.S. elementary schools, conducted in 1985, which focused on the schools' instructional uses of computers, including efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Specific topic areas covered include: (1) what hardware is in different types of schools; (2) which teachers use the…

This paper presents the first comparative findings emerging from 20 individual case studies into the adoption, use, and effects of microcomputers in families. The 20 families are first described according to a number of key demographic characteristics--socioeconomic, nationality, parent occupations, number and ages of children, etc. An examination…

Case studies are presented for seven Los Angeles area (California) high schools that worked with Pepperdine University in the IBM/ETS (International Business Machines/Educational Testing Service) Model Schools program, a project which provided training for selected secondary school teachers in the use of personal computers and selected software as…

This paper reviews the current role of microcomputers as either a cognitive or sensory prosthesis, and evaluates their potential for meeting the learning needs of exceptional students. In the area of declarative learning, computers are used for drill and practice, tutoring, and "intelligent' tutoring. In the area of procedural learning,…

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…