Computational thinking in physics has many different forms, definitions, and implementations depending on the level of physics or the institution it is presented in. To better integrate computational thinking in introductory physics, we need to understand what physicists find important about computational thinking in introductory physics. We…

America's need for top talent in information technology and computer science is a longstanding problem. However, as the pace of technological change accelerates, the demand for skilled information technology and computer science workers is reaching critical levels while the supply of skilled workers remains well below the needs of the nation's…

Since 2006, there has been an ever-increasing momentum in computational thinking educational policy initiatives (CTEPI) across the globe. In this paper, the representative CT educational policy initiatives viewed through the lens of international perspectives and cultural contexts were examined, compared and discussed. Reports, white papers, and…

For many years computing in New Zealand schools was focused on teaching students how to use computers, and there was little opportunity for students to learn about programming and computer science as formal subjects. In this article we review a series of initiatives that occurred from 2007 to 2009 that led to programming and computer science being…

The nature of computer instruction that emphasizes student programing in elementary school settings is detailed. Several reasons for the approach taken are given and constraints that those who want to start elementary computer programs must deal with are noted. The receptiveness of girls to computers in elementary grades is noted. (MP)

It is noted computer literacy is being placed within school curricula even when the general movement in education seems to be back to basics. The situation in Foothills Elementary School in Monterey, California is detailed. Economics is seen as the main issue that limits immediate expansion of computers in schools. (MP)

Views of Arthur Luehrmann, an individual who has become known as one of the most vociferous advocates of computer literacy in educational computing, are presented. Spending four out of five days in a computer literacy course on computing and one out of five on awareness issues is advocated. (MP)

Relates the history of computer studies and its impact on the secondary education environment in Australia. Discusses how the mass media and computer distributors have made parents feel that access to computer education is essential in their children's education. (GG)

In its second decade of education reform and its third cycle of national ICT master plans, Thailand struggles to transform its aspirations into practice. This paper chronicles three decades of Thailand's ICT national plans and their relation to education reform. It also discusses the effect of global trends, Asian cultures, and Thai cultures on…

If teacher education institutions are to train computer-literate teachers, more money must be spent on increasing instructional computing facilities, computer support staff, new faculty, and staff development for existing faculty. Promising teacher education programs are noted, and actions that will help institutions prepare for this new area are…

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.…

America is no longer an industrial society but an information society made up of knowledge workers as opposed to production workers. As America accelerates into the information society and the technology it offers, Americans must view themselves as part of three worlds, each affected by society--professional, personal, and social. Significant…

Computer assisted instruction on a major scale and the K-12 Plan for Computer Literacy will be probable failures, but many programs can be successful. School systems must concentrate on computer teachers, instead of training all teachers, and schools of education need to train computer teaching specialists. (MT)

Computer literacy is defined as the ability to utilize capabilities of computers intelligently. Specific skills and characteristics necessary for computer literate pupils are listed. The importance of computer literacy, a curriculum, and evaluation are discussed. (MP)