The digital computer can perform many functions in the junior college, from instruction through administrative operations and community service. Planning the computer center for institution-wide service requires particular attention to feasibility, organizational structure, staffing, physical planning, and financial implications. Depending on the…

Suggests practical steps to follow in searching for microcomputer systems to be used as instructional aids. Poses questions regarding general equipment type; kind of system needed; financial and administrative support; committee formation; information sources; and final decision making. (DMM)

Proposes the use of microcomputers in behavioral science courses as a writing, evaluating, and calculating tool; an individual instruction tutor; and an inexpensive and nontime-consuming environment for observation and experimentation. Looks at ways the microcomputer can be used by students and instructors, implementation considerations, and…

Surveys ERIC documents and journal articles dealing with the instructional and administrative applications of microcomputers at the postsecondary level. (DMM)

Assesses the effect of microcomputer technology on traditional community college instructional roles, values, and activities. Examines issues related to computer literacy, telecommunications use, videodisc technology, information control, faculty workload, microcomputer access, and curricular change. Underscores the importance of human contact.…

Fox Valley Technical Institute (FVTI) has developed an approach to education which emphasizes competency-based, round-the-clock education entailing short terms, flexible class schedules, and individualized instruction and which has as its focus strong computer support at classroom, technical, and management levels. The college provides 6,000…

Discusses advantages of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in a community college writing/reading curriculum. Using word processing software, students write reports, themes, and essays on the microcomputer. Other software is used for learning vocabulary, grammar, reading rate and comprehension. Includes problems to avoid to ensure success in CAI…

Designed to assist faculty in California community colleges in sharing microcomputer programs they have written, this guide provides abstracts for 89 teacher-developed microcomputer programs that can be obtained for non-commercial use. Each entry contains information on the title and author of the program, the institution of the author, the…

At Triton College, student involvement with computers as a continued, multifaceted process is considered a primary objective of the physics and engineering department. To that end, the department implemented a low cost diverse program. The computer uses presented include labs, algorithms, testing, individual projects, drills, graphics, simulation,…

Discusses the learning center concept in terms of design, teacher roles, cost-effectiveness, vocabulary, and politics. Considers Monroe County Community College's model for miltidepartment microcomputer centers. Urges business educators to adopt networked computer learning centers. (DMM)

Describes Wayne County Community College's computer-based instruction program developed during the last five years. Reviews the equipment used, planning considerations, the integration of computer-based instruction, the development of a data processing curriculum, developmental education objectives, and current program development. (DMM)

It is argued in this paper that "somehow" microcomputers must become a mandatory part of a community college education. For many reasons, microcomputers are flooding the college campus. The most important of these reasons is the recognition that computers are as relevant to the humanities and social sciences as they are to the physical sciences…

After examining the impact of changing technology on postsecondary instruction and on the tools needed for instruction, this report analyzes the status and offers recommendations concerning the future of instructional computing at Vancouver Community College (VCC) in British Columbia. Section I focuses on the use of computers in community college…

Mini- and midi-computers have been introduced into the computer science program at Sierra College to afford students more direct contact with computers. The college's administration combined with the Science and Business departments to share the expense and utilization of the program. The National Cash Register Century 100 and the Data General…

Looks at three areas in which college administrators should ensure that computers are available for faculty use (i.e., instruction, personal scholarship, and administrative tasks). Suggests ways of overcoming faculty resistance to computers and steps in a carefully planned and managed process of improving computer literacy. (DMM)