Briefly describes a study of five New York City high schools conducted to determine the impact of microcomputers in schools. Interviews and surveys were used to address issues including student and teacher attitudes toward computers, teaching methods, teacher-student interactions, and differences between computer instruction and regular classes.…

Briefly reviews current research on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and microcomputers. The Hawthorne Effect and research results for elementary, secondary, and college level students are discussed, courseware requirements are described, and research studies showing positive and negative effects of CAI are listed. (LRW)

Reports on a study by Henry Becker that surveyed the research comparing the achievement of students using computer to those using traditional methods of instruction. Problems with many earlier studies are described, best-evidence synthesis is explained, effect size is examined, and implications for future research are suggested. (LRW)

Reviews two studies whose results indicate that students who share computers develop better work skills and social attitudes. One study, using eighth graders and a computer simulation, measured performance on worksheets and final exams. The second study used language learning via computer-assisted instruction to compare results on achievement…