Computers are changing the lives of millions of people, but schools are still not producing many computer literate students. Rapid improvements in hardware technology and major progress in the development of software have put computers within reach of everyone. Computer literacy must now be treated as a functional tool similar to reading, writing,…

In anticipation of the educational needs of the late 1980s in science, mathematics, and engineering education, the National Science Foundation has supported a variety of projects that can serve as examples and models of the uses of computing in science education. These projects fall into three categories, focusing on the computer as a tool of…

Suggests approach to teaching definitions and concepts of computer programs to learners at all age levels by using words (string manipulations) rather than numbers. An outline of a possible sequence for introducing the BASIC programming language is given. Two references are cited. (EJS)

The services of ComputerTown, a nonprofit computer literacy project of the People's Computer Company in Menlo Park, California with 150 worldwide affiliates, are enumerated including getting started, funding sources, selecting hardware, software selection, support materials, administrative details, special offerings (classes, events), and common…

This report focuses on the status and future of computer technology in Massachusetts schools. The report is organized into four major sections. Introductory information is provided in section 1, followed by a framework (section 2) for viewing computer technology. This framework provides information on computer hardware components, computer…

Discusses the educational and personal uses of microcomputers by children (as young as 3 1/2-years-old) and the types of programs they use, produce, and enjoy. Includes a list of practical tips on mastering computer literacy. (JN)

Describes a computer literacy program in a business/economics department designed to help students apply computer technology to their chosen fields rather than to develop special skills as programers or systems managers. Includes program goals/objectives and a list of computer programs (with brief descriptions) used in the various economics…

A list of computer competencies developed by Houston Independent School District's Department of Technology is provided as a framework for training teachers in instructional applications of computers. (MJL)

Addresses various issues in educational computing, suggesting that the real crisis facing schools is not a software shortage but a hardware crunch accompanied by misconceptions about how computers can help children learn. (Author/JN)

Responses to a recent survey of children's impressions of personal computers are provided. The views about computers in the classroom are thought to clearly show the ease pupils have with such machines in their daily lives. The students quoted are deemed enthusiastic, confident, and creative users. (MP)

One of a series on the responses by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and others to critical problems in education, this overview addresses a variety of issues related to computer literacy. Topics discussed include the pace of the transition to the computer age, the development of microprocessors, and the computer as fad or revolution.…

The uses of computers in the classroom are discussed, and the implications of these uses in an information-based society are addressed. Three types of computer applications are examined: learning about computers and their relation to society, including computer programming; learning through computers, which includes drill-and-practice, diagnostic…

This bulletin provides a discussion of the impact of microcomputer technology and functions as a guide for administrators. It examines issues administrators must address if they are to take an active role in implementing computer programs in their schools. Chapter 2 examines hardware evaluation and selection, giving recommendations on types of…

Recent research and current trends in the field of computers and education are reflected in this collection of reviewed papers, tutorials, panels, project presentations and other sessions. More than 80 papers are grouped in the following topic areas: administrative applications, composition and literature, computing for the learning disabled or…

Questions are raised about the quality of educational software programs and about what teacher educators should be doing to become computer literate. Computers will lead to many changes in the classroom; teacher educators should take a leadership role in the process. (PP)