Local area networks (hardware/software devices linking computers together for economy, instructional control of classrooms, and data management, and communications) have great potential for schools. Nature of these networks, district and campus trends, and guidelines for schools are discussed. (JN)

Discusses communications technologies now being refined for nationwide introduction to allow educational institutions to share their database resources at greatly accelerated speeds and with increasing ease. (JN)

Explores past uses of speech synthesis and outlines educational uses for the future, describing new features that allow considerable control of speech output. Indicates that because of the speech capabilities, nonreaders may no longer be denied access to the computer due to limited reading skills. (JN)

Recent alliances between communication providers and computer manufacturers will lead to new technological combinations that will deliver visually-based ideas and information to a worldwide audience. Urges that those in charge of future video programs to consider their effects on children's language skills, thinking patterns, and intellectual…

Reports results of a 1982/83 nationwide survey of administrators and teachers to determine the level of microcomputer use in elementary and secondary schools. Indicates that microcomputer availability and planned expenditures are increasing and that two-thirds of the nation's schools have at least one microcomputer in their facilities. (JN)

In 1981, the British government allocated 1.1 million pounds to introduce a trial computer-based learning (CBL) program to the nation's education system. Following a 2-year pilot project, a CBL Unit was formed to build on the success of the initial experiment. The unit coordinator describes this on-going project. (JN)

To ensure that students under its jurisdiction would be prepared for and comfortable with a rapidly changing, high-technology society, the South Gibson School Corporation (Indiana) decided in 1982 to introduce microcomputers in its one high school and three community schools. The implementation and encouraging results of this project are…

Reports the results of a survey given to members of the Texas Association for Educational Technology (N=29) in which media specialists' attitudes toward computers and use of computers in society and education were assessed. Results, among others, indicate positive attitudes of media specialists toward the role of computers. (DC)

Videodisk technology consists of the videodisk, the videodisk player, and the equipment necessary to produce the videodisk. Describes videodisk technology and its advantages over similar media, its most prevalent uses, current educational applications, and courseware developed by the Interactive Videodisk for Special Education Technology project.…

Reports on the various ways microcomputer hardware and courseware are being integrated into the nation's schools, in a race to avoid being locked into technological mediocrity. Effectiveness of computer assisted instruction, courseware development, and the time students use computers in elementary and secondary schools are among the areas…

Examines many imprecise definitions being given to the term "computer literacy," proposing a universal standard of interpretation which required minimal understanding and ability in programing. The proposed definition focuses on computer structure/operation as well as computer applications and limitations. Differing viewpoints for including…

After much study, administrators at the Garland Independent School District (Texas) adopted a minicomputer-based system which provides curriculum development for kindergarten through grade 12. The process of implementing computer-assisted instruction in this district is described. Results after the first year and teacher training are examined. (JN)

The Advisory Committee for Education and Information Technology (AEIT) was created to advise the Dutch government in the development of a policy for implementing information technology in education nationwide. AEIT's findings are summarized, focusing on information technology in compulsory education and in vocational education programs. (JN)

Points out that word processing can be integrated into special education programs and that teachers can gain confidence in their ability to teach word processing to special education students. Inservice programs and effects of word processing instruction on special education students are among the topics addressed. (DH)

Three eras of educational computer use may be identified: (1) 1960s--large mainframe use and beginning of time-sharing; (2) 1970s--microcomputer utilization and continuation of time-sharing; and (3) late 1970s to 1980s--microprocessor/microcomputer classroom use. Networking is trying to solve limitations of microcomputers for many instructional…