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)…

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…

Explored relationships among gender, play style, and skilled performance in LOGO computer-based tasks of four-year-old children. Found no significant gender differences in play styles and LOGO skills. Predictors of LOGO competence were differentiated by gender. Suggests that boys' and girls' routes to competence differ, though both genders display…

Discusses the uses of microcomputers in British elementary mathematics education. Describes the impact of electronics, teacher use of software, student use of software, and programing activities. Lists several mathematics software sources. (YP)

Examines some correlates of programing ability that can predict the computer programing performance of students. Finds that students who score high on mathematics and spatial tests will score high on programing ability tests. Finds that boys perform significantly better than girls in programing ability, as do those who possess home computers. (KO)

Discusses a conference organized by The Association for the Development of Computer-Based Instructional Systems titled "Children, Computers and Education" held in the Soviet Union. Describes the use of computers and the computer labs in Soviet schools visited by the conferees. Notes many schools still lack computers. (MVL)

Reports on a research study which investigated the nature of preschool children's choices concerning computer-based learning activities. Notes that the results failed to show evidence of calculated goal setting or progression from easier to more difficult learning tasks. Discusses implications for software development. (RKM)

Presents a study that investigates the knowledge and skills that relate to computer programing. Finds that knowledge and procedural skills are related to computer programing. Recommends that since instruction in computer programing facilitates problem-solving, computer programing courses should be augmented to include teaching template and…

Reports on a comparison of computer instruction at Japanese and American universities and colleges. Discusses hardware, education of students, computer graphics, and cooperative efforts. States that computer hardware in Japan is of high quality, abundant, and inexpensively accessed, and in America there is a stronger, direct instructional…

Germany's national planning for incorporation of computer technology into higher education is discussed, including guidelines for computer investments (particularly future policy concerning personal and high-performance computers), the role of computer centers, and provisions and incentives for software production and supply. (MSE)

Discusses several rationales for the use of computers in elementary and secondary schools, and describes differences in policies and needs in developing and industrial countries. Topics discussed include computer literacy; programing; computer-assisted instruction; student record keeping; administrative functions; industry's interests; cost…

Recounts some of the past attempts at determining a national Australian policy for the use of computer technology in mathematics education. Lists 25 issues facing Australian mathematics education, along with the objectives of a UNESCO Regional Seminar held in the summer of 1987 relating to this topic. (TW)