Assessed the effectiveness of four instructional methods used in fostering computer literacy and in teaching programing skills in 22 primary classes. Four key instructional variables delineated in Direct Instruction Model research were manipulated across the four methodologies. List of instructional objectives, instructional design, results, and…

This guide was developed to assist teachers in achieving goals related to the development of computer awareness in students in grades 4-6 in the Canadian province of Manitoba. An overview of the program describes a set of basic concepts, skills, and attitudes relating to computer technology, and provides information on activities that can be used…

The first of three parts of this booklet, which assumes no previous knowledge of computers or programming, explains what computers are and briefly describes the components of a computer system. The second section examines the different ways in which the computer can be used in higher education, including its use: (1) as a "super calculator"; (2)…

For institutions of higher education in Canada, the use of computer-assisted-instruction is miniscule. Instead, students of the sciences are shown how to program computers while students of the arts are shown how to use computers within their disciplines. Experiences in computing at the University of Waterloo are described. (JN)

This report compares two methods of teaching BASIC programming used to develop computer literacy among children in grades three through seven in British Columbia. Phase one of the project was designed to instruct children in grades five to seven on the arithmetic operations of writing simple BASIC programs. Instructional methods included using job…

This guide was developed to assist teachers in achieving goals related to the development of computer awareness in junior high school students in the Canadian province of Manitoba. An overview of the program describes a set of basic concepts, skills, and attitudes relating to computer technology, and provides information on activities that can be…

The paper describes the informatics curriculum (the study of computer hardware and software as a tool in problem solving) in a special school for gifted children in South Africa. The program's aims (including development of a structured approach to general problem solving and stimulation of pupil interest in technology) are listed and discussed. A…

The second of three parts of a computer awareness program for grades K-9, this five-unit guide includes objectives, notes and explanations, and suggested activities for developing basic concepts, skills, and attitudes related to computer technology for grades 4-6. Student activity worksheets are included for each unit. Unit 1 covers care for a…

The third of a three-part computer awareness program for grades K-9, this five-unit guide includes objectives, notes and explanations, and suggested activities for developing basic concepts, skills, and attitudes related to computer technology for grades 7-9. Student activity worksheets are included for each unit. Unit 1 covers computer operation,…

The first of three parts of a computer awareness program for grades K-9, this guide includes objectives, implementation suggestions, and varied student activity worksheets for a five-unit, primary computer literacy program. A program overview includes the program rationale, goals, description and development, time allotment, and objectives for K-3…

The Transparent Computer simulation was developed to address the educational system's need to provide the basic skills and knowledge that are required to understand computers and interact with them. Intended to be integrated in the computer literacy program in elementary and junior high schools, the Transparent Computer is an example of an…

The difficulties that younger students experience in understanding concepts related to the use of variables in computer programming are examined through descriptions of two studies: (1) detailed case studies of six highly intelligent children--three fourth graders and three sixth graders--who learned to program in BASIC during 60 hours of…

Describes an exhibit in the U.S.S.R. sponsored by the U.S. Information Agency which is designed to show the use of technology at home, school, and the office in the United States. Also discussed are the use of computers in Soviet schools; Soviet curriculum; and use of the computer laboratory in the exhibit by Soviet students and teachers. (five…

Reports the history, instruction, teacher training, and evaluation of a computer-programing course in China. Suggests some questions and problems relating to the course. (YP)

This report describes a project in Malaysia which provided three pilot courses using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for both inservice and preservice teachers. Two courses for secondary teachers introduced the use of CAI in the secondary classroom and Logo for secondary mathematics, and primary teachers were given an introduction to the use…