Provides an introductory overview of articles included in this journal issue, which is devoted to the topic of microcomputers and children. (MP)

In examining microcomputer uses in education, consideration must be given to hardware, software, and most importantly, the people who will use them. The educational software market is being affected by hardware manufacturers, educational publishers, independent software houses, user groups, and classroom teachers. Each of these groups has clearly…

Discusses computer assisted foreign language instruction. Describes what to look for in computers and gives common problems in hardware and software. Discusses future technology that will be useful in foreign language classrooms. (EKN)

Summarizes the characteristics and special features in a variety of mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer systems; discusses the applicability of each in school instruction; provides information about hardware, instructional capabilities, courses, and curricula available from computer manufacturers/publishers; and discusses future uses and…

This paper offers an historical perspective as to why teachers may be reluctant to accept new technologies, and what might persuade them to use computers in their classrooms. The analysis also suggests some methods for minimizing the inhibiting factors and maximizing the acceptance of computers in elementary and secondary school settings.…

Examines the educational potential of three categories of computer networks--(1) resource sharing networks for sharing expensive peripherals; (2) communication networks for transferring messages between microcomputers; and (3) interactive networks for student collaboration on multiuser tasks. Advantages and disadvantages of networking and the…

The Prescott (Arizona) Unified School District No. 1 has developed a computer literacy program which reaches from the fourth-grade to the senior high school level. It emphasizes: (1) learning the history of computers; (2) understanding their influence on society; (3) teaching about current and potential uses; and (4) understanding how computers…

Presents highlights from the "Wingspread Conference on Microcomputers in Education," held to evaluate the role of microcomputers in instruction and to develop guidelines for the introduction and use of this new technology in the elementary and middle grades. (Author/MLF)

Claims that computers and other high technology can replace teachers and staff, thereby reducing educational costs, are unwarranted for several reasons. First, most cost analyses focus on hardware costs, which are not the major factor directing the cost of computer assisted instruction (CAI). Second, technology is more likely to change the skill…

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…

The development of the first microcomputers in the 1970's has led to a quiet revolution in the use of computers in the school. Computers have proven themselves as effective teaching tools and now, for the first time, these tools are within realistic reach for all levels of education. Under the three major areas of administration management,…

In some aspects, high school business education is the answer to the computer advocate's prayer. Because business education on the secondary level deals in part with numbers, measurement, word processing, and transfer of data by electronic means, it invites computer-aided instruction (CAI) and computer-managed instruction (CMI). The first…

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…

Computer assisted instruction, and especially computer simulations, can help to ensure that preservice and inservice teachers learn from the right experiences. In the past, colleges of education used large mainframe computer systems to store student registration, provide simulation lessons on diagnosing reading difficulties, construct informal…

Microcomputers have the potential to alter the entire learning environment and change the nature of education, but the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) methods developed when computers were less readily available can endanger or retard the change. Designed to increase the efficiency of the teaching of course content, CAI makes no attempt…