Formative assessment can be a powerful tool to support effective K-12 computer science (CS) instruction. Having teachers and students engage with the formative assessment process can increase student engagement and improve learning outcomes. In this guide, the authors show readers how to apply the five-step process outlined in the corresponding…

Computer science (CS) education helps students acquire skills such as computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Since these skills take preeminence in the rapidly changing 21st century, CS education promises to significantly enhance student preparedness for the future of work and active citizenship. Based on prior analyses and…

Children born since the early 1990s have never known a world in which computer and information technologies are not essential to every aspect of their lives. However, far too many young people, especially low-income and minority youth, lack opportunities to learn about the impact of computer and information technologies on their lives and become…

Understanding the potential or need for ICT support in education within developing countries, requires an in-depth needs assessment to comprehend, elaborate and set the desired priorities of rural schools. A Needs Assessment was conducted as part of an on-going comprehensive evaluation process of an ICT for development project, the Siyakhula…

Suggests computer education activities that can be developed with a single computer, leadership of one staff member, plus one paraprofessional and a core group of interested students. Argues that computer literacy is a societal necessity and a reasonable possibility for even small institutions with limited budgets. (DMM)

This report examines the exploration and implementation of a multi-faceted approach to the use of computers in the instructional setting in the Worthington (Ohio) School District. Section I presents major steps which occurred during the 1981-82 and 1982-83 school years. These include formation of task forces, descriptions of major ways in which…

The paper discusses a procedure for writing, monitoring, and evaluating Individual Education Plans (IEPs), as mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, utilizing computer technology. Concerns related to the values and philosophy of decision-makers as they work with data derived from computer systems to formulate IEPs are also…

Discusses how computer literacy objectives were determined for the 269 K-12 Department of Defense Dependent Schools, two years ahead of schedule. Also notes how these student objectives were implemented. (JN)

Discusses a four-point plan for setting up computer literacy programs for teachers and students. Plan focuses on involving existing education agencies; providing leadership; designing a teacher training program; and providing a feeling of belonging, security, and success for staff members. (JN)

Description of Northwest Council for Computer Education's efforts to develop computer education guideline competencies to aid in developing teacher training programs. Discusses stages of information gathering; issue identification and definition; and formulation, evaluation, and dissemination of competencies. Competencies for elementary and…

The first report details the computer education plans of the school district in Palo Alto (California), where the use of the computer is part of normal school activities in grades K-6, all seventh grade students participate in a computer awareness unit, and students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to enroll for one quarter in a computer studies…

A description is given of the design, use, and evaluation of a series of microcomputer training workshops for teachers. Chapter 1 presents a justification for the program, citing societal, technological, and professional pressures on teachers, and the need for change in educational techniques. In chapter 2, a review of literature is offered on…

This book discusses computer coordinator responsibilities and suggests necessary qualifications. The need for computer coordinators is discussed and responsibilities of a building-level computer coordinator are identified to help distinguish this position from that of a computer teacher. A more detailed analysis of the types of activities that…

This booklet, the third in a series of documents constituting a handbook for teachers and administrators on educational computing, identifies factors to consider when developing district or building level computer-relevant, staff development programs. It highlights the importance of staff development activities and suggests strategies for…

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)