Discusses the role of the elementary school computer lab instructor and suggests that, for successful integration of computers into the curriculum, the role should change from teacher to consultant. Strategies of change are discussed in two main stages: educating teachers, followed by shifting responsibility from the lab instructor to the…

Presents five articles that consider computer keyboarding instruction at the elementary school level. Highlights include keyboard familiarization techniques that do not require a computer; integrating keyboarding skills into the rest of the curriculum; and Type-Right, an inexpensive laptop computer dedicated to teaching keyboarding. (LRW)

Describes a four-part curriculum that can serve as a model for incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the high school computer curriculum. The model includes examining questions fundamental to AI, creating and designing an expert system, language processing, and creating programs that integrate machine vision with robotics and…

Discusses need for development of keyboarding skills at the elementary school level; issues to be addressed when developing keyboarding curricula (criterion for competence, how much is necessary, time needed, who should teach and how); and program considerations (hardware, curriculum, principles of instruction, instructional periods, classroom or…

Careful planning is required for teachers to take full advantage of the cross-cultural learning opportunities afforded by electronic networks and telecommunications. Networking with more than one classroom and using a well-defined group project integral to other classroom activities are recommended. (EA)

Discussion of the use of telecommunications in the social studies curriculum focuses on three main areas: (1) searching and reading information in databases, including the appropriate use of commercial database services; (2) electronic mail and bulletin boards; and (3) the role of the telecomputing teacher. (five references) (LRW)

Provides an overview of information technology (IT) in primary schools in the United Kingdom. The national curriculum is explained, including attainment targets for IT; examples of activities using computers in the classroom are described; the need for adequate inservice teacher education is discussed; and future possibilities are considered. (LRW)

Describes the use of electronic messaging in elementary and junior high schools in Canada and the United States. Highlights include differences between electronic mail, bulletin board services, and computer mediated conferencing; the role of the teachers; equipment and telephone line considerations; and costs. (LRW)

Describes plans in The Netherlands to simultaneously restructure schools and curriculum, integrate information technology with the new curriculum, and redefine teacher support and inservice training. The PIT School Project is discussed, including evaluation; teacher networking is examined as a means of ongoing professional development; and PIT…

Describes a project designed to help high school language students learn about French-speaking countries that uses HyperCard and telecommunications capabilities and can be adapted to other related curriculum areas. Highlights include cooperative group work using the Internet and creating HyperCard stacks. (three references.) (LRW)

Includes two articles that deal with constructivism: one discusses constructivism and the use of computers in teaching language arts, particularly writing; and the other discusses constructivism and the use of laptop computers in an Australian primary school to help restructure the curriculum. (23 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of computer assisted instruction to enhance learning basic skills within the traditional language arts curriculum. The Teaching for Transfer approach to software evaluation that is described is designed to provide teachers with information about how well a given piece of software can be integrated into the existing curriculum.…

Describes a courseware development project at the University of Oregon which explored use of interactive video with mentally disabled students to teach life enhancement skills. Discussion of the results of a pilot study of one of the modules includes information on student achievement and teacher and student reactions. (MBR)

Outlines three lessons designed to increase students' involvement in social studies classes, excerpted from the author's book, COMPUTERS, CURRICULUM, AND WHOLE-CLASS INSTRUCTION. Student surveys, supported by database and/or graphing software, are used to study immigration, banking and technology, and interpreting graphs and bias in information.…

Describes a program developed in Chino Valley (Arizona) schools that integrates computer technology into the curriculum to support heterogeneous grouping of students while providing special assistance for at-risk students. Highlights include the instructional management system, the role of teachers and support staff, and the role of the computer…