Discusses the state of computer use in classrooms and cites several problems. The consideration of computers as "toys," elitist attitudes, administrator/teacher/parent demands, computer manufacture pressure, and lack of a clear definition of computer literacy are addressed. Suggestions for improvement are included. (DH)

Freshmen at Clarkson College of Technology (Potsdam, NY) will be issued a Zenith microcomputer. Every aspect of Clarkson's curriculum will be redesigned to capitalize on the new computing and word processing power. Students will pay $200/semester and a one-time $200 maintenance fee and will keep the computer when they graduate. (Author/JN)

When a core curriculum degree requirement in computer literacy was approved at Hardin-Simmons University (a small, private institution), a committee of faculty members developed the course specifications. They include a weekly one-hour lecture and a two-hour laboratory to achieve eight educational goals. These goals and the course format are…

Discusses the impact of the computer age on American educational needs and goals, assessing the increasing use of computers and the need for improved software. Considers costs involved in providing more powerful computers to schools and calls for research to clarify knowledge underlying software interaction paradigms. (JM)

To help overcome their "computer anxiety," college faculty participants in a computer literacy workshop were allowed to keep a microcomputer at home during the 10 week workshop. Weekly meetings consisted primarily of answering questions, demonstrating new/interesting Atari programs, and discussing potential of the computer as an…

Examines how resource sharing works to bring the promise of high technology to the poor, considering whether it will increase disparities (particularly in the areas of education and employment) or it will be a tool to enhance the learning process and provide additional avenues for job seekers. (JN)

Summarizes what has been learned, thoughts regarding mistakes that have been made, and recommendations for addressing future questions, regarding the role of computers in the educational process. Reviews the research on computer based instruction. States that findings are inconclusive and often contradicting. Recommends that different evaluation…

Described is the Alfa Project in Uruguay, designed to integrate computer education into secondary schools through teacher-training. Both teacher-users and teacher-authors were considered. Course objectives, curriculum content, and teaching guidelines are presented. (MNS)

Implementation of the computer program in Eula, Texas, was divided into three stages: (1) focusing on computer literacy; (2) using the computer as a support tool; (3) and using computer assisted instruction to enhance basic skill learning. Results of use of the computer for learning mathematics are presented. (MNS)

To provide computer literacy training for its elementary and secondary schools, the Indianapolis city-wide school district is midway through a three-year, $10 million project involving the installation of more than 10,000 microcomputers linked by numerous local area networks. This program of coordinated resource sharing is described. (JN)

Describes a computer literacy program in a business/economics department designed to help students apply computer technology to their chosen fields rather than to develop special skills as programers or systems managers. Includes program goals/objectives and a list of computer programs (with brief descriptions) used in the various economics…

Discusses the use of computers in Swedish schools. Focuses on: (1) instruction concerning computers and their use in society; (2) use of computers in schools to modernize teaching content in various subjects; and (3) uses of computers as an aid to learning. (Author/JN)

Discusses various aspects of computer-assisted learning. Focuses on human and technical problems associated with using computers and suggests possible solutions to the problems. Indicates that the greatest human problem (lack of programing skill) can be solved by use of DECAL, a programing language designed for individuals with no computer…

Describes New Jersey Institute of Technology's (NJIT) comprehensive plan of becoming a computing-intensive campus. Explains how it provided full time freshmen with microcomputers, free of charge, and how use of computers was integrated into various courses at NJIT. Reviews accomplishments of the program. (ML)

Describes workshops given at Ferris State University for faculty and staff who want to acquire computer skills. Considered are a computer literacy and a software toolkit distributed to participants made from public domain/shareware resources. Stresses the benefits of shareware as an educational resource. (CW)