This publication contains 4 reports and 15 profiles which illustrate the role of computers in education with emphasis on vocational education. The reports are: (1) "Microcomputers in the Classroom--Dreams and Realities" (Henry Jay Becker); (2) "Microcomputers in the Classroom: Are There Unique Issues for Vocational Educators to Consider?" (Judith…

This digest summarizes diverse viewpoints in the controversy over the meaning and practice of "computer literacy." The issue of whether being able to read and write computer programs should be a a computer literacy requirement for teachers is specifically addressed. Attempts to define computer literacy goals for teachers are noted,…

Just as the communication and information processing abilities of the computer transform the processes of which it becomes a part, so does the computer transform the nature of education and the functions of teachers and schools. (MT)

Offers five easy ways to help teachers become a computer expert: (1) meet a computer; (2) meet people experienced in using computers; (3) learn the lingo; (4) read about computers; and (5) find out what computers can do. (EL)

Implementation of the computer program in Eula, Texas, was divided into three stages: (1) focusing on computer literacy; (2) using the computer as a support tool; (3) and using computer assisted instruction to enhance basic skill learning. Results of use of the computer for learning mathematics are presented. (MNS)

Outlines competencies for computer education specialists, i.e., individuals working with teachers and students to teach the use of computers for instructional purposes rather than computer science. These competencies were developed from an informal survey of individuals currently working in such positions. (MBR)

In an interview, Sherry Turkle (author of "The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit") discusses the development of personal styles developed by individuals using computers. She stresses the importance of having teachers familiar and comfortable with computers and students having access to computers as tools they use in the…

In evaluating a private school's incorporation of computers into the curriculum the researcher noted that the use of drill-and-practice programs taught students that computers are boring. They did not get any understanding of the varied uses for computers. (MD)

Highlights research on computer assisted instruction which should lead educators to the conclusion that there should be a computer in every classroom to improve teacher effectiveness and to enhance student achievement. (NEC)

To provide computer literacy training for its elementary and secondary schools, the Indianapolis city-wide school district is midway through a three-year, $10 million project involving the installation of more than 10,000 microcomputers linked by numerous local area networks. This program of coordinated resource sharing is described. (JN)

Presents a listing of textbooks, computer program guides, articles, opinion papers, histories, reference works, databases, reviews, bibliographies, organizations, and other information sources concerning computer applications. (MSE)

Discusses applications of microcomputers to: (1) presentation of the content of humanities courses, especially computer assisted instruction and simulation programs; and (2) science, technology and society courses to reinforce points about limitations and appropriate uses of computers. Examples of computer programs used to facilitate these…

Provides examples of senior management development courses that demonstrate ways in which technology is used to enhance management training; briefly discusses characteristics that distinguish the senior manager target population from other training populations; and describes computer hardware and software characteristics appropriate to training.…

While California has frameworks defining what concepts are necessary for understanding science, math, history-social science, and other disciplines, there has been no such framework for technology. The framework presented in this paper proposes a strategy for thriving in a future that will be strongly influenced by technology. That strategy is…

Many educators have concerns about integrating appropriate software in the pre-school curriculum and about what to consider when selecting this technology. This paper presents a criteria for selecting appropriate software for early childhood education. The software that is selected should allow children to explore it and the programs should be…