This paper argues for a re-examination of the nature and goals of broad computing education initiatives. Instead of starting with specific values or goals, we instead begin by considering various desired endpoints of computing instruction and then work backward to reason about what form learning activities might take and what are the underlying…

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 most common approach to computer education is the computer literacy model which suggests that students need some basic familiarity with computers to compete in the job market or to become informed citizens. Discusses why this model for computer education should be rejected by professional educators. (JN)

A six-semester secondary school computer science education program is described. Major program objectives and brief course descriptions are provided. The first course is a one-semester course on basic computer literacy. (Author/JN)

Discusses how computer literacy objectives were determined for the 269 K-12 Department of Defense Dependent Schools, two years ahead of schedule. Also notes how these student objectives were implemented. (JN)

Developed by the Michigan State Board of Education, this document begins with brief discussions of a philosophy for the integration of computers into all content areas and district planning for computer use in schools. Essential goals and objectives for computer education are then outlined in the following areas: (1) computing and its evolving…

This digest summarizes diverse viewpoints in the controversy over the meaning and practice of "computer literacy." The issue of whether being able to read and write computer programs should be a a computer literacy requirement for teachers is specifically addressed. Attempts to define computer literacy goals for teachers are noted,…

A course syllabus and descriptive outline are provided for an introductory, three-credit college course at Lon Morris College, Jacksonville, Texas, covering logical operations and the development of basic algorithmic processes using the BASIC computer programming language. Overall goals, specific objectives, and a brief description of lesson…

A K-12 computer literacy course of study is presented. Four basic parts are included: (1) a reference index which organizes 37 computer literacy topics into seven major categories; (2) a master index which presents goals for each topic by grade level and lists a reference number for each goal; (3) a scope and sequence organized by grade level…

Some basic concerns about the proliferation of computers in schools are stated: (1) Educational goals for children should be established as a first priority, then what computers can do to help achieve those goals should be examined; (2) Very few pieces of software are useful in schools, and teacher education programs should explore what is needed…

This document offers a perspective on the use of computers in education to assist California educators with the design and implementation of educational activities that encourage the effective and creative use of computers and computer software throughout the school curriculum. It is organized in six strands, each identifying a basic core of…

The use of a strategic planning model to integrate a computer literacy component into an established general education program is illustrated. Key issues are identified at each planning model stage, which consists of: identifying appropriate goals, writing objectives, developing an action plan, identifying options/alternatives, identifying…

This handbook for teachers offers guidance on introducing computer literacy into elementary and secondary classrooms. It includes a list of computer concepts exemplified by each step in learning to write programs in BASIC Programming Language and the objectives for the elementary and secondary activities; suggestions for using computers in…

Because of the rapid introduction of computers into the Israeli education system, teachers resent the new technology or are unrealistically enthusiastic. Therefore, a split curriculum which enables teachers to follow a more logical path of adoption was developed. A brief description of the syllabus used (including course goals) is described. (JN)

This brief overview of the state of the art in computer education in schools in the Federal Republic of Germany covers both the extent and areas of use and research and development, and frequent comparisons are made with educational computer usage in other countries, including the United States, Japan, France, Great Britain, and Norway. The…