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…

While teachers of writing and related disciplines have become increasingly convinced of the value of computers in classrooms, there have also been reports of obstacles that arise when innovating with computers and word processing in the schools. Educators must determine whether the problems are mere inconveniences or potential barriers to the…

Designed to offer direction for classroom teachers and administrators in the development of an exploratory computer literacy program for grades 9-12, this resource unit comprises four major sections, four appendices, and two resource lists. The introductory section provides information on the history of Hawaii's computer literacy program; cites…

Presents a categorization system that allows potential microcomputer users to make more reasoned, conscious choices to ensure that a range of software types and activities are available for their instructional programs. (SRT)

Describes the computer literacy requirement of the Professional Teacher Preparation Program at Arizona State University. Highlights include microcomputer-based software used; word processing; database skills; spreadsheet tasks; teacher utilities for producing graphic materials, generating tests and practice exercises, and keeping records; and…

Differences in computer use, attitude, and efficacy between female and male college freshmen were studied. It was found that when computer training was integrated into classroom work, sex differences in attitude and use declined. Unstructured, voluntary exposure to computers, however, elicited responses suggesting opposing mechanisms for females…

Examines the development of information technology (IT) capability by teacher-trainees on a postgraduate certificate of education course; the course involves the promotion of IT use during classroom placements by teacher-mentors. Survey results indicate that for certain trainees, the development of IT skills was regarded as being synonymous with…

Describes a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course in the United Kingdom that was offered to develop teachers' computer use and skills. Results of four questionnaires that evaluated skills before the course and after one year of teaching are discussed, and requirements for information technology skills are examined. (five references)…

The importance of using computers in a science education class is not limited to computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Computers may also be used as an educational strategy to improve overall learning and computer literacy in students. Research has shown an improvement in academic achievement in students using computers, as well as an increase in…

Effective use of computers in instruction is contingent upon a district-level philosophy and plan. That plan may be based on either a computer literacy course model, a scope and sequence model, or an integrated model. Each of these models involves some combination of five categories of computer-related instruction: (1) teaching about computers as…

This paper describes a training program which was designed to train teachers how to use computer applications such as database management systems and spreadsheets in their classrooms; how to modify applications according to their teaching practices; and how to learn from their experiences in using computer applications in the classroom. A group of…

A continuation of an earlier manual, this guide was written to help adult education teachers and their students to go beyond the information of part 1 and learn more about the uses of computers. Although this manual is directed more toward teachers and administrators than toward students, activities for students are provided. As in part 1, some of…

A vocational teacher training project was designed to provide a short-term period of training at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to upgrade the computer and secretarial skills of three potential vocational education teachers from the Republic of Palau. The training consisted of scheduled computer courses at Kapiolani Community College,…

The installation of 275 microcomputers in 34 academic departments over 18 months at the University of California, Santa Barbara, is discussed. This undertaking by the Provost's Office of the College of Letters and Science was designed to enhance faculty productivity by increasing access to computing, and to enhance administrative support to…

This study of college students in business administration classes compares attitudes toward office computer use of students with typing or word processing skills to those of students without those skills. Results show typing and/or word processing skills were associated with greater degree of conceptual understanding of future office computer use.…