This study critically reviews sixteen empirical studies that investigate the various difficulties that primary school students encounter while learning programming through educational games. Specifically, the challenges that students face in understanding basic programming concepts and the game elements that contribute to these difficulties, as…

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…

Advances in technology have caused high schools to update their computer science curricula; however there has been little analogous attention to technology-related education in middle schools. With respect to computer-related knowledge and skills, middle school students are at a critical phase in life, exploring individualized education options…

To succeed in college, career and life in the 21st century, students must be supported in mastering both content and skills. This Implementation Guide presents state leaders, policymakers and/or district and school leaders with assessment tactics and examples to assist in statewide 21st century skills initiatives. The Partnership for 21st Century…

To succeed in college, career and life in the 21st century, students must be supported in mastering both content and skills. This Implementation Guide presents state leaders, policymakers and/or district and school leaders with assessment tactics and examples to assist in statewide 21st century skills initiatives. The Partnership for 21st Century…

Answers to questions about how children successfully use computers were found by identifying computer skills and concepts achieved by children attending the 1984 Computer Camp for Young Children at the University of Delaware. A total of 43 children from 4 through 7 years of age attended 1-1/2 hour sessions each day for 4 weeks. Computer activities…

The 46 papers in this proceedings summarize the work of academic and private groups which seek to provide a means of integrating the utilization of the computer into an established curriculum; descriptions of sample courses are included. The contents include: (1) Four Precollege Computer Curricula: A Symposium; (2) Data Processing Management…

The development of the "information society" or "information age" creates a global context for instruction in information skills. Ensuring that students have skill in handling, understanding, and producing information is increasingly considered a vital educational goal. This paper reviews the literature on information literacy,…

Discusses the integration of technology into elementary and secondary school classrooms based on experiences at the Jerome Joint School District (Idaho). Topics include having the curriculum drive technology use, student motivation, student computer literacy, relating technology skills to content areas and classroom assignments, and incorporating…

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) aims to ensure that all countries, both developed and developing, have access to the best educational facilities necessary to prepare young people to play a full role in modern society. Understanding information technology (IT) and mastering IT's basic skills and concepts…

Describes a project at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey to encourage women to enroll in courses with a large computer technology component and to enable those women to be successful when they take computing courses. Explains the development of a first-year seminar that was created to improve women's computer skills. (LRW)

Defines contemporary literacy and examines what skills educators and library media specialists need to learn and impart to their students. Discusses using the Big6 skills to achieve contemporary literacy; developing information literacy curricula; and addressing the challenge of contemporary literacy. (AEF)

This paper presents an evaluation of a Goals 2000 project being carried out in a rural western school district. The participants have embarked on a series of training modules designed to develop their skills with a variety of software applications and the integration of technology within the curriculum. Participants--administrators and classroom…

The dramatic changes that occurred in information technology in the 1990s have rendered the curricular offerings of many college and university information systems and computer science programs obselete. This paper identifies some of the most desirable skills in the current technology environment. By being astute innovators with college curricula,…

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,…