Educators must think clearly about how they want students' education to improve, what computers can do to help, how that assistance can be accomplished, and whether any of this is affordable. (Author/JM)

Describes one school district's system for evaluating and selecting microcomputer software for computer assisted instruction. The process includes a computer technology council in charge of evaluation and a software evaluation form (reproduced here in its entirety). (Author/JM)

Offers suggestions about using microcomputers for school administration and lists hidden costs of computerization, including administrator time, consultants, machine maintenance, backup systems, appropriate furniture, insurance, and staff training. (JM)

This article, the first in a series on administrative uses of microcomputers, describes steps to follow in selecting a microcomputer system, methods for resolving concerns facing beginning computer users, and ways to identify tasks suitable for computer processing. (PGD)

Contends that computer software development has fallen far behind progress in hardware development. Explains how to evaluate courseware critically. (Author/JM)

A principal/counselor partnership in a small Colorado high school uses a microcomputer to enhance their roles and effectively provide services for the school and students. They have developed a unique needs assessment process, a word processing program for senior letters of recommendation, and a database on gifted and talented programs. (MD)

This article, the third in a series, provides a list of criteria to be used in evaluating administrative software. Some general guidelines are provided, followed by 30 questions that should be asked concerning documentation, input, processing, output, and other areas. (DCS)

Innovation insurance involves planning in order to avoid pitfalls. When adopting microcomputers, this means answering 10 preliminary questions, appointing a coordinator of computer services, and arranging inservice teacher training. (Author/JM)

Dicusses Modesto City (California) Schools' successful planning process for integrating a computer education program into the curriculum. Planning focused on six basic questions the district asks about any curriculum area reviewed. Generic skills needed for decision-making and other academic and occupational pursuits were targeted. (MLH)

Some computer education goals, such as computer-assisted instruction, are very expensive and difficult to meet. Programing, computer literacy, and word processing are less expensive computer education areas, and programs are easier to implement. (PGD)

A superintendent explains the administrator's role in integrating computers into the instructional program. Lists factors to be kept in mind. (Author/JM)

A Vermont high school has developed a series of graduate-level inservice courses to introduce teachers to computers in a systematic, cost-effective way. Course offerings include software evaluation, computer literacy, educational uses of the computer, LOGO, and BASIC. (TE)

Reviews specific administrative tasks that can be computerized. Provides criteria for selection of software programs. (MD)

Predicts that the availability of computers and demands for competency testing could drastically alter the character and uses of standardized testing by the end of the century. Warns administrators to begin preparing for the future in order to prevent misuse of the new computer capabilities. (PGD)

Provides some "dos" and "don'ts" for school administrators contemplating holding inservice programs on using microcomputers in the classroom. Suggestions concern ordering hardware, selecting software, scheduling sessions, grouping participants, and designing the course. (Author/JM)