Through this mixed-method evaluation study the authors investigated a pilot implementation of an open-source productivity suite for teachers in a K-12 public school district. The authors evaluated OpenOffice version 3.0 using measures identified by the technology acceptance model as predictors of acceptance and use of technology systems. During a…

A teacher turned software programer expounds on his computing background, the philosophy behind his games, and on the roles and uses of these games and other software in educational settings. Advice on selecting software is provided for administrators and parents. (JN)

Describes a study that investigated the interaction of learning-disabled students and their teachers with instructional elements of commercial courseware. The relationship of courseware design to student independence and motivation is discussed, implications for improving courseware design are noted, and ideas for further research are suggested.…

This study examined ways in which microcomputers are used in schools and the complex issues that surround their implementation. Three fictional geographically distinct school districts with a diversity of microcomputer applications at both the elementary and secondary levels were studied: Salerno, a large southern city; Granite, a midwestern city;…

Discusses the findings of four studies that examined the use of microcomputers in special education classrooms. Surveys, interviews, and observations were used to discover software currently in use with handicapped learners, the instructional design limitations of software, and the potential impact of computer-assisted instruction on handicapped…

Describes a study of families with microcomputers that was conducted to determine the extent to which children used their home microcomputers for learning school subjects. Content analysis of log material is discussed, three specific case studies are presented, and reasons for the absence of home academic microcomputing by children are suggested.…

Investigates the long-term effects of two national language tests in Israel, one in Arabic as a second language and one in English as a foreign language. The study employed questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis from teachers, students and language inspectors. Findings reveal that washback varies over time, owing to factors such as the…

The Computer Pilot Program of the Division of Computer Information Services of the New York City Board of Education was designed to investigate the claim that comprehensive computer-based instruction (CBI) might best be used to improve the basic skills of educationally disadvantaged students. This ongoing project is designed to identify…

A study of 60 elementary and secondary math and science teachers who were nominated by their peers as effective microcomputer-using teachers was conducted to describe how peer-nominated teachers use microcomputers instructionally, and how these uses vary as a function of teacher characteristics (e.g., knowledge, attitudes) and other background…

This study of patterns of microcomputer-based instruction in elementary and secondary schools had three objectives: (1) to describe how teachers who were nominated by their peers as "unusually successful" in their microcomputer-based mathematics and science teaching use technology for instruction; (2) to describe how these uses vary as a…

Interviews were conducted with educational leaders in seven of the Caribbean islands during August and September 1994 concerning the development of a regional Curriculum Development and Materials Production and Equipment Centre (CAMPAEC). Visits to several sites, reading of background documents, and additional research were also completed. The…