Computational thinking (CT) involves breaking a problem into smaller components and solving it using algorithmic thinking and abstraction. CT is no longer exclusively for computer scientists but for everyone. While CT does not necessarily require programming, learning programming to enhance CT skills at a young age can help shape the next…

In this article we report assessment results from two studies in an ongoing design experiment intended to provide a single school system with a sequence of secondary school level (ages 14-18) computer technology courses. In our first study, we share data on students' learning as a function of the required introductory course and their pre-course…

Operation Soft Boot was a program designed to develop a computer literacy curriculum for use with adult basic education (ABE) students at their educational level. Computer literacy instruction included a review of the component parts of a personal computer system and their operation and a review of basic keyboarding skills. Instruction also…

This interim program of studies highlights technology learning outcomes for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students in Alberta (Canada). It forms the basis for the provincial program of studies to be released in June 2000. It identifies not only the outcomes that are already included in current programs of study, but also anticipates the knowledge,…

Career Awareness Resources for Exceptional Students (Project CARES) is an Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title VII-funded project in its fourth year in 1993-94. The project served 65 Spanish-speaking students (ages 14-21) of limited English proficiency in two schools in the Bronx, New York. Participating students received instruction in…

A computer-literacy staff training program was designed to provide adult basic education (ABE) instructors and staff with basic computer skills. A curriculum using both Apple IIe computers and IBM personal computers was developed and software obtained. Eight instructors and nine administrative staff members of local literacy programs completed 10…

Reports on a study of the effects of the curriculum material used and of teaching behavior in "Information and Computer Literacy," a new course introduced in the Netherlands. Suggests that education can diminish but not entirely eradicate gender-related ideas about computers. Includes statistical and tabular data. (MJP)

The ACCEPT (Adult Computer Competency Educational Program Training) computer literacy project at an adult education and job training center in Pennsylvania was adapted for use with adult basic education students with children to provide computer skills development, an understanding of how computers are used in their children's education, and an…

The Casco Bay Partnership includes the University of Southern Maine (USM) and seven businesses in greater Portland, Maine, that range from large multinational corporations to small, family-owned businesses. During a 3-year project funded by a National Workplace Literacy Program grant, the partnership designed and delivered workplace basic skills…

An assessment model at King's College (Pennsylvania) is described, which involves redesigning the general education core curriculum with competency-based measures. The new learning plan for the core curriculum establishes graduation competencies and regular monitoring of student progress. The plan supports a value-added approach to curriculum and…

For the twenty-seventh year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the National AECT Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two…