Perceptions and opinions of secondary school principals on the status of microcomputers in the schools are examined. Mailed questionnaires to a random stratified sample of principals of 21 junior high schools and 73 junior/senior and senior high schools yielded a 64 percent response rate. Findings indicate that the average school allots 3 to 6…

Very little research is available nationwide that measures the administrative use of computers in rural schools. A state survey of 154 rural Kentucky secondary school principals (representing a 51% response rate) focused on their knowledge about computers and use of computers for school administrative purposes. Only 14% of respondents had a…

Results of empirical research relating computer programming instruction and understanding of the concept of mathematical variables is unclear. While some studies have found a positive relationship, others have reported nonsignificant results. The purpose of this study was to investigate high school students' (n=36) understanding of the concept of…

The computer literacy and education program described in this brief narrative report was undertaken by North Carolina schools after the General Assembly provided $28.4 million in funding. The goal of the program was to achieve a ratio of one microcomputer for every 50 students to permit 30 minutes of computer access per week for each student. As…

This description of an inservice training program in basic microcomputer literacy for college faculty and staff at Ferris State College (Michigan) details the follow-up evaluation used to identify the merit and worth of the training. The report presents both the format and subject matter of the training, which consisted of three 3-hour workshops…

Reviews the efforts of Indian schools to promote computer studies. Describes the Computer Literacy and Studies in Schools (CLASS) project which represents India's first organized effort toward introduction of computers into schools. Cites several problems to be faced in the Indian educational system. (CW)

The International Business Machines Corporation offered unlimited travel budgets and sabbatical stipends to six college faculty called "Consulting Scholars." People issues dominate their presentations. (MLW)

This needs assessment investigated current and optimal levels of information literacy among faculty members at South Georgia College (SGC). Each faculty member was asked to complete a 10-question closed-ended survey to determine the overall information literacy of SGC's faculty based upon qualitative analysis. Then, six faculty members, two from…

The purpose of this study was to determine the proficiency level of teachers at South Plainfield High School (South Plainfield, New Jersey) in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software. A survey was conducted to evaluate the level of the teachers' personal technological background, staff centered technology,…

This paper presents a review of the literature regarding use of computers in elementary social studies and a rationale of how computer usage aligns with the constructivist approach to education. Computer use in elementary social studies can be divided into three broad categories: (1) instructional software; (2) productive software; and (3)…

This book provides guidance in how to help children use the Internet for learning and fun. The book is divided into three sections. The first section, "Get Ready: The Internet and Its Tools," includes basic information and practice exercises related to the Internet's many tools. Also included is a large subsection on the World Wide Web, which…

By 1997, almost half of all U.S. workers used computers on the job, and such workers generally received higher wages than non-users. However, on-the-job use was less common in nonmetro areas than in metro areas, and wages for nonmetro workers were generally lower. But is computer use instrumental in explaining the metro-nonmetro wage gap? A survey…

Although most agree that well-planned uses of technology are an essential part of instruction, many teachers at all levels of schooling feel overwhelmed by the technology or left behind by its rapid advance. This brief guide is designed to help novices become literate in the use of basic Internet technologies. It is organized into five chapters.…

This paper discusses how to present new college students with their initial exposure to policy, security, and ethical computing issues. The Office of Policy Development and Education participates in summer orientation to introduce students to proper use of information technology resources at the University of Michigan. This presentation is known…

This paper presents a model for professional development that is site-based and utilizes a Teacher-Mentor approach for technology training. To guide the development of such models for schools, the paper discusses the following principles: (1) the Teachers Computer Ability Profile (TCAP), a straightforward instrument teachers can use to self-assess…