New information and communications technologies (ICT) are redefining teacher education. A university faculty member and an instructional technology consultant incorporated information and communications technologies within a graduate university methods course. The following research questions explored student perceptions of using Web 2.0 tools as…

For some teachers, the increasing attention to digital and multimodal composing in English and Language Arts classrooms has brought into sharp relief the profession's investment in print as the primary means of expression. Although new forms of communication that combine words, still and moving images, and animation have begun to dominate digital…

The purpose of this focused newsletter is to give teachers who know little or nothing of computers some background on which to base further investigation and decisions. It begins by explaining what a computer is and defining such terms as software, hardware, memory, input/output devices, and disk drive. The newsletter then outlines four major uses…

Describes how computer technology has been integrated into the mission of the National Reading Research Center (NRRC). NRRC's rationale for including computer technology in its research agenda is outlined, current research projects involving computers and literacy are reviewed, and several projects that reflect NRRC's major emphases and goals are…

The eight articles in this focused journal issue explore the part computer literacy and computer programed instruction can play in the language arts curriculum. Titles of the articles are (1) "Computers in English Instruction: The Dream And The Reality" (James R. Nicholl); (2) "Computer Uses in the Elementary Grades" (Robert Morgan); (3) "Reading…

Thirty-five outstanding educational programs were identified by a panel composed of educators, parents, and students. Computer programs are listed in the areas of reading and language arts, mathematics, general problem solving, science, social studies, creative arts, foreign languages, and computer literacy. (PP)

A curriculum to enhance computer literacy in grades K-8 is presented, which covers the areas of computer awareness, computer interaction skills, social sciences, language arts, science, and mathematics. Student tasks are outlined with suggested grade levels for skills to be introduced, expanded, and reinforced. (EJS)

This paper examines themes from a cross case analysis of the Buddy System Project, a program that loans students and teachers in selected elementary classes in Indiana a networked home computer and provides schools with additional classroom computers. Qualitative data were collected from 28 homes and 19 classrooms at 4 participating schools. The…

Describes Apple Computer's Early Language Connections (ELC) program. Designed for K-2 grades, ELC integrates Macintosh computers, children's literature, instructional software, and other curriculum materials, including sample lessons constructed around thematic units. The literature-based product uses a whole-language approach (with phonics…

Addressing the question of how computers can assist language development, this discussion paper presents a broad overview of the potential for computer use across the elementary school language arts curriculum. It begins by listing several questions that must be considered when assessing the usefulness of computers within the language curriculum,…

Project DISC (Developing Indian Software Curriculum) was initiated in the Rapid City (South Dakota) school district to improve Native American children's reading and language arts ability and to provide them with microcomputer skills. During the summer of 1982, introductory computer activities were planned, a computer specialist was hired, and…

Describes demonstration grant project undertaken by the Rapid City South Dakota school district to determine whether computer assisted instruction (CAI) would be beneficial to Native American children. Discussion covers operation and results of the program, which offered CAI instruction in reading and language arts to students in grades three to…

The 26 articles in this journal issue discuss the use of the computer in the English classroom. Among the topics and applications discussed are (1) computer assisted invention, (2) word processing, (3) overcoming computer anxiety, (4) using computers in technical writing classes, (5) grading student essays by computer, (6) the experiences of an…

This two reviews of the literature on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) are intended to provide a general outline of the major issues involved in the use of computers in education. The 1986 review focuses on definitions, computer usage, achievement gains, staff development, and trends, while the 1986-87 update focuses in particular on the…

Given the state of the art of computing in 1982, it is not necessary to know a computer language to use a computer. Three aspects of the current state of computing make it mandatory that educators from elementary through postsecondary levels rapidly incorporate this skill into the curriculum: (1) computers have permeated society--they are used in…