Offers an overview of issues pertaining to societal readiness to cope with the information explosion. The need for computer literacy, an examination of computers in education, and the role of the National Science Foundation in computer literacy programs are discussed. (MER)

Examines the application of microcomputer statistics in social studies, and computer access and simulations in middle school environments. An interdisciplinary framework of curricula among social studies, science, and mathematics teachers with equal access to microcomputers and software programs is encouraged. (MER)

Describes the use of a microcomputer system (ECHO) which permits greater access to student thought processes. Initial piloting indicates that self-reports can be unobtrusively solicited from students during ongoing instruction. Research background, data collection approaches, and a description of the ECHO system are given. (MER)

Reviews several principles of learning theory and the characteristics of a good learning situation. The evaluation checklist included provides a list of characteristics that could be expected in any learning program which uses a particular medium such as the computer. (MER)

Provides a core reference library of 100 basic titles (139 books) which have proved useful to instructional developers and client teacher-designers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The focus is on instructional design and development, but entries on research and on computer applications in instructional contexts are also…