This statewide survey (parelleling a 1983 study) was conducted by the Oregon Department of Education in 1985 to assess the status of microcomputer usage and instructional microcomputing in the public schools of the state. A total of 1,181 principals responded to the mailed questionnaire for a response rate of 96% as opposed to 90% in 1983. The…

Dangers are inherent in predicting the future. In discussing the future of computers, specifically, it is useful to consider the brief history of computers from the development of ENIAC to microcomputers. Advances in computer technology can be seen by looking at changes in individual components, including internal and external memory, the…

Trends in computing and office automation and their applications, including planning, institutional research, and general administrative support in higher education, are discussed. Changing aspects of information processing and an increasingly larger user community are considered. The computing literacy cycle may involve programming, analysis, use…

Presents procedures for a needs assessment where the instructional situation is identified and instructionally oriented needs are expressed through an instructional requirements matrix, as well as a description of the capabilities of microcomputers and their relationship to various instructional activities. A survey of microcomputers and their…

Describes results of a survey of secondary school and college teachers that was conducted to determine subject matter that should be included in educational computing journals. Areas of interest included computer applications; artificial intelligence; computer-aided instruction; computer literacy; computer-managed instruction; databases; distance…

This collection of eight papers is designed to assist educators in becoming computer literate and in identifying and developing competencies necessary to implement microcomputers in K-12 classrooms. For the novice, it contains an overview of computers, a discussion of their use in daily life and in education, and coverage of important terms and…

This guide was developed to serve as a catalyst in the design of long-range school district plans for the integration of computers into the curriculum and to assist districts in creating and controlling the direction they pursue in regard to instructional uses of the microcomputer. It raises questions, presents alternatives, and offers an…

Arguing that computers in education are necessary to prepare children to live in a future computerized society, this report examines the issues associated with computers in education in developing countries. The first of three parts provides a brief overview of how and why computers are used in education in developed countries; describes…

To better understand the instructional computing needs of Iowa's K-12 teachers and administrators, a needs assessment was conducted in the spring of 1983. A 48-item administrator questionnaire and a 52-item teacher questionnaire were used to gather data from all Iowa school superintendents and from random samples of both elementary and secondary…

Lists criteria for selecting quality computer software. Describes tutorial, drill and practice, test scoring, and simulations as innovative uses of microcomputers. Establishes a need for the use of computers and courseware as learning opportunities. Defines significant vocabulary terms and concepts to promote literacy. (RT)

This issue contains several articles that document how microcomputers are being successfully used not only in vocational agriculture but in the cooperative extension service as well. Articles focus on instruction and management using microcomputers, management of FFA (Future Farmers of America) activities, teaching with agricultural computer…

Describes nine-week computer literacy course offered to seventh graders of the Freeport, Illinois, School District, which teaches students how to operate a computer, input a program, process the program, and identify output. Sample activities involving predicting output, and modifying and writing a program are appended. (EJS)

Designed for use by educators trying to establish or find networks providing access to educational computing information and avenues for the exchange of ideas and experiences, this guide brings together and describes several different types of resources to provide a base from which other contacts can be made. The resources listed focus on…

This paper discusses computers and their potential role in education. The term "byte" is first explained, to emphasize the idea that the use of computers should be implemented one "byte" or step at a time. The reasons for this approach are then outlined. Potential applications in computer usage in educational administration are suggested, computer…

Efficient and convenient comprehensive information systems, long kept from coming into being by a variety of obstacles, are now made possible by the concept of distributive processing and the technology of micro- and mini-computer networks. Such systems can individualize instruction, group students efficiently, cut administrative costs, streamline…