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…

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…

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…

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)

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…

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)

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…

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.…

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)

The Microelectronics Education Programme (MEP) has focused its attentions on the classroom teacher as the agent of educational change by providing computer based learning coordinators to implement teacher training programs to support all aspects of the school curriculum. Discusses computer training before MEP, with MEP involvement, and after…

A framework for a computer literacy module is detailed, through a description of one that has evolved in schools in Fairport, New York. It is noted that the availability of computer-literacy instructional materials is increasing substantially, but a specific curriculum is sorely lacking. (MP)

This report considers the current and future impact of technology on schools, solutions to existing problems, and major policy questions concerning computer technology's role in education. Experiences of several universities in integrating computers into their programs are reviewed, as well as those of states and local school districts in…

Questions are raised about the quality of educational software programs and about what teacher educators should be doing to become computer literate. Computers will lead to many changes in the classroom; teacher educators should take a leadership role in the process. (PP)

In a tight job market, IT professionals with database experience are likely to be in great demand. Companies need database personnel who can help improve access to and security of data. The events of September 11 have increased business' awareness of the need for database security, backup, and recovery procedures. It is our responsibility to…