What constitutes learning in the 21st century will be contested terrain as our society strives toward post-industrial forms of knowledge acquisition and production without having yet overcome the educational contradictions and failings of the industrial age. Educational reformers suggest that the advent of new technologies will radically transform…

Reviews some of the literature, dating largely from 1979, that concerns the importance of computers in society and of computer literacy. Discusses the implications on education of computers and the need for computer literacy. (SB)

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)

Reports on results of 2-year study of educational use of technology at 2 San Francisco Bay Area high schools. Finds little impact on students' school experience. Discusses several reasons for this finding: Traditional school structures, time constraints, and competing educational priorities. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

It is noted computer literacy is being placed within school curricula even when the general movement in education seems to be back to basics. The situation in Foothills Elementary School in Monterey, California is detailed. Economics is seen as the main issue that limits immediate expansion of computers in schools. (MP)

Technology, particularly computers, has had little impact on schools. Resistance to change is great. The educational-technology view of computers and the computer-as-tool view helps to foster change. (SI)

Ideas are presented which are designed to help teachers get started on using microcomputers. It is stated that getting acquainted with a computer is easier than it looks. Instructors are encouraged to take on the challenge offered by the machine. Microcomputers are seen as much more than another audiovisual aid. (MP)

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)

The Houston (Texas) Independent School District established a Department of Technology to encourage the use of educational technology, especially computers, in district schools. Obstacles included claims to "turf," rapid technological change, and the lack of trained management, clear policies, and sufficient staff incentives. The…

Relates the history of computer studies and its impact on the secondary education environment in Australia. Discusses how the mass media and computer distributors have made parents feel that access to computer education is essential in their children's education. (GG)

There has been a remarkable improvement in access and rate of adoption of technology in higher education. Even so, reports indicate that faculty members are not integrating technology into instruction in ways that make a difference in student learning (Cuban, 2001; McCannon & Crews, 2000). To help faculty make informed decisions on student…

Responses to a recent survey of children's impressions of personal computers are provided. The views about computers in the classroom are thought to clearly show the ease pupils have with such machines in their daily lives. The students quoted are deemed enthusiastic, confident, and creative users. (MP)

In this interview, Donald L. Bitzer, the inventor of the PLATO instructional software system, speculates on the ways in which the computer will affect human society in the near future, with special emphasis on the impact of computers on the labor force, on education, and on family life. (Author/JL)

By understanding the educational policies of the past, we can avoid the aimless, ephemeral quality of educational programs which are directed to the problems of the moment. The current debate over returning to the basics is blinding us to the need to plan for the future and the computer age. (IS)

Computer literacy is defined as the ability to utilize capabilities of computers intelligently. Specific skills and characteristics necessary for computer literate pupils are listed. The importance of computer literacy, a curriculum, and evaluation are discussed. (MP)