Discusses educational uses, types, operation, advantages, popular features, and subscription rates of electronic communication networks. Factors to consider when choosing a network are described, and a table listing networks designed for educators includes information on the network producer, target audience, features, subscription rates, and…

Discusses results of a study of computer programers which assessed the emotional and social needs met by their interaction with computers, programers, and nonprogrammers. Since a significant portion of respondents expressed preference for computer interaction, an examination of needs fulfilled by computer interaction is presented, and societal…

Describes a study examining relationships between Canadian adult women's ages, goals, literacy, and attitudes toward computers and advanced technology. Results indicate a strong correlation between technical goals, enjoyment, and technical term understanding, and a belief men are more technically literate. Recommendations are made for educating…

Describes the inadequacies of the current software for computer-based instruction, and presents a framework of instructional components to guide the design of such software. A taxonomy of design considerations is then discussed, including instructional context, strategies, and technical capabilities that can be used to enhance instruction. (4…

Discussion of computer input devices focuses on the keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen. Related research is reviewed concerning user preference and performance; advantages and disadvantages of each device are described; guidelines for selection are discussed; and suggestions for future research are offered. (19 references) (LRW)

Based on the premise that educators should identify instructional problems before they use microcomputers for instruction, this article shows how needs assessment and instructional design relate to the decision. A three-phase questioning process is suggested to help determine when and where to use computer assisted instruction. (MBR)

Compares two surveys--one of school administrators and one of computer experts--on perceptions of priorities among computer competencies for school administrators. Analysis includes importance of computer literacy; programing, application, hardware/software, and resource acquisition skills; and awareness of training needs. Experts were found to be…

Discusses questions of central importance to researchers interested in educational computing, namely long-range, cumulative effects of computer use; cumulative effects on cognition, emotion, and behavior; identification, conceptualization, and study of computers' capabilities carrying the most educational promise; transfer of learning; and…

Presents a set of pirnciples based on "Peter's People and Their Marvelous Ideas" (L. J. Peter, 1979) to explain the inner structures of computer assisted instruction. These principles relate to courseware development and testing, preparing guides, and computer assisted instruction service, languages, and systems. (MBR)

Outlines procedures for developing a microcomputer laboratory for use by students in an academic organization, based on experiences at Niagara University. The four phases described include: (1) needs assessment; (2) establishment, including software and hardware selection and physical facilities; (3) operation, including staffing, maintenance,…

Briefly discusses no-plan approach and linear approach to school district computer involvement and suggests contingency planning approach is better. Components of this approach--conducting situation audit of internal and external environments, generating within-district support, formulating district-wide policies, and developing an ongoing…

Examines the nature of desktop publishing and how it can be used in the classroom for gifted/talented students. Characteristics and special needs of such students are identified, and it is argued that desktop publishing addresses those needs, particularly with regard to creativity. Twenty-six references are provided. (MES)

Presents guidelines for determining when interactive courseware requiring single-keypress responses (multiple choice answers) and constructed responses (typed-in answers) are appropriate for use in the classroom. Research findings of studies concerned with these response types are briefly discussed, and needs for further research are outlined.…

This study compares the expectations of educators, parents, and business leaders regarding computer uses in education with their conceptions of what is actually being done. Respondents saw microcomputer use for recordkeeping, determining instructional needs, and instruction as important potential uses but felt that more should be done. (MBR)

Discusses several barriers to the use of technology, especially computers, including the state of the art of computer software, lack of teacher knowledge and skills in this area, and most important, the present governing structure that supports the traditional organization of education. (MBR)