This paper provides educators with a general perspective on computer literacy and an in-depth examination of the Computer Literacy Awareness Assessment conducted by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC). Addressing computer literacy as part of the ongoing use of computers in a classroom setting is identified as the most reasonable…

This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises six stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

A survey instrument was sent to the superintendent of each school district in California in June 1980 to gather information about the uses of computers in instruction in the state's public elementary and secondary schools. The findings of the study indicate that: (1) just over one-third of the districts use computers in instruction; (2) at least…

This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises four stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

Describes study that evaluated 16 software packages representing all grade levels against 19 criteria based on principles of effective learning and teaching. Implications of the results for the development of effective instructional software and its use are discussed, and the evaluation form used is included in the appendix. (21 references) (LRW)

Two pilot schools for general secondary education in Enschede (The Netherlands) are taking part in the Technology Enriched Schools Project. One of the research questions is the valuation by the students of the use of computers in education. The valuation is influenced by factors which deal with the perception of the student; the use of computers…

This manual provides background materials for Project CIRCLE (Curriculum by Industry Review-Computers Link to Education), a competency-based curriculum developed to provide trainers or educators teaching short-term or long-term programs with a complete field-tested curriculum in microcomputer applications. Prefatory materials and acknowledgements…

The Computer Bus Program (Compubus Program) of the Modesto City Schools (California) was evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the computer literacy program for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students at eight elementary compensatory education schools. The program provided instruction on computer vocabulary, knowledge, and applications in a…

This document describes the operation and quality of pre-college instructional software sold for use on microcomputers. It also assists in locating other sources of similar information about instructional software. This edition is limited to programs for the Apple II, Commodore PET, and Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I. Fifty reviews of software…

Discussion of educational software evaluation strategies for effective computer-assisted instruction highlights CLOPPE, a software evaluation form that enables the previewer to analyze the software's objectives and to determine where it can be effectively integrated within the curriculum. The importance of subjective evaluation is emphasized. (28…

This practicum was designed to initiate the use of databases in an elementary setting. The primary goal was to establish a workable method to incorporate the use of databases and instruct teachers on how to use a sophisticated computer application. The peripheral goal was to transmit the newly-learned skills of the teacher to the students. A…

Microcomputers can be used with simulation software to provide students both with experience in the "real world" of decision making and feedback on the decisions made. Such software allows individual students to choose the roles they wish to play from a menu of diverse roles and provides alternatives for them to consider for each decision to be…

Describes a methodology for student involvement in courseware evaluation and for utilizing student reactions in purchasing and implementation decisions. The evaluation forms used in a survey of 2,308 Indiana students are presented, and the results of that survey are discussed. (18 references) (CLB)

Defines basic concept courseware as educational software dealing with language concepts for young children, details problems with current courseware evaluation systems, and outlines contents of the basic concept courseware evaluation form included in the appendix. Teacher evaluation and learner evaluation of the courseware are included. (12…

Questionnaires were developed for students and teachers and used with National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Software Evaluation Checklist to compare student and teacher perceptions of computer assisted instruction software. Results indicate that formative evaluation should include feedback from both students and teachers to improve software…