Privatisation and commercialisation in education encompass a range of interrelated practices, including the outsourcing of educational services as well as increased reliance on commercially produced resources for the delivery of learning and assessment. An increase in these practices has accompanied the shift from centralised systemic management…

Two Delphi studies were conducted by the Ethics and Equity Committee of the International Council for Computers in Education (ICCE) to obtain the opinions of experts on areas that should be covered by ethical guides for the use of computers in education and for software development, and to develop a model code of ethics for each of these areas.…

The use of the computer as an educational tool is examined in the two papers of this report. The first paper, "Taking Control of Educational Technology" by Bertram Bruce, considers what computers are and how they might be used productively in education. The paper notes that the biggest impact of computers may be in terms of the ways they…

This essay reviews accounts of nontraditional schools in various parts of the United States, some of which are public-private ventures. All use computers in conjunction with practices such as the whole language approach, the language experience method, ability grouping, and individualized instruction. Review of the accounts leads to the conclusion…

Reports on a survey of computer use administered to 400 elementary mathematics or science teachers in South Carolina. Inquiries included: (1) purposes for which used; (2) brands available; (3) recommended software; (4) effects on students; (5) teacher training; and (6) audio or video packages used. (9 references) (MES)

Argues that educational computing is a discipline and discusses issues that need to be addressed in this discipline, including similarities with experimental psychology; networks and integrated learning systems; problem-solving software versus domain-specific software; computer labs versus classroom integration; software quality; computer equity;…

This study examined ways in which microcomputers are used in schools and the complex issues that surround their implementation. Three fictional geographically distinct school districts with a diversity of microcomputer applications at both the elementary and secondary levels were studied: Salerno, a large southern city; Granite, a midwestern city;…

Describes a study that investigated the use of microcomputers in elementary and secondary schools in one southern state. The availability of hardware, software, and personnel resources is discussed; student access in relation to ability level and socioeconomic status is examined; and recommendations to alleviate inequities in computer access are…

Discusses gender bias in educational software programs and describes two studies that explored the ability of preservice and inservice teachers to detect bias in software programs. Evaluation instruments used to measure gender bias are described, and the need for instruction in equity issues is discussed. (23 references) (LRW)

Describes computer systems that combine drill and practice instruction with computer-managed instruction (CMI) and identifies system characteristics in four categories: (1) hardware, (2) software, (3) management systems, and (4) methods of daily operation. Topics discussed include microcomputer networks, graphics, feedback, degree of learner…

This paper discusses the philosophy followed in Palm Beach County to adapt computer literacy curriculum, hardware, and software to meet the needs of all children. The Department of Exceptional Student Education and the Department of Instructional Computing Services cooperated in planning strategies and coordinating efforts to implement equal…

Discusses the development of a national computer network that would serve the K-12 educational community as well as higher education. The needs of teachers and students are considered, educational equity is discussed, pricing structures are examined, software development is discussed, and future possibilities are explored. (LRW)

Discusses a review of research studies on gender differences in computer-based education that revealed significant discrepancies between equality of access and performance outcomes for female and male users. Highlights include the proposed future of education and technology; math anxiety; influence of family; gender bias in software; and influence…

This report discusses the potential for computers and other educational technologies to aid in school restructuring in New York State. Issues involved in such a restructuring are examined and include: (1) the need for a common effort in creating a state program; (2) current practices and current realities in the classroom; (3) current uses of such…

This collection of 23 essays on the applications of technology in education, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education, is divided into four chapters. The first chapter examines the effect of media on the message to be delivered, and includes essays on classroom use of television, the use of computers to support the learner, and…