Freshmen in a microcomputer class (n=33) used cooperative learning and watched instructor demonstrations; a control group (n=36) worked independently and received verbal instructions. Previous computer experience influenced achievement. A combination of cooperative/independent and verbal instruction/demonstration methods was recommended. (SK)

A study of 281 college students in a computer applications course found that prior computer experience, use of the computer for other class assignments, and amount of time spent on assignments influenced achievement. (SK)

Recent research indicates that computers can raise student achievement, but when used the wrong way, they can do more harm than good. The educational benefits of computers are greatest when they are used in sophisticated ways. Any professional development with computers leads to gains in student achievement. Most schools are not using computers in…

Performance aspects of three samples (N=58) of students enrolled in computer science literacy courses for educators were studied. The person-environment congruence concept of Holland's model of vocational behavior was used to predict class performance. The model uses a classification system which arranges six vocational types in a hexagonal…

Presents an outline for an inservice teacher training program on computer-assisted instruction that focuses on curriculum goals and identifying student problems. (MD)

A study was conducted at a large, state-supported college in the Northeast to establish a mechanism by which a popular software package, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), could be used in psychology program statistics courses in such a way that no prior computer expertise would be needed on the part of the faculty or the…

The costs, effects, and utility of mathematics instruction supplemented by microcomputer presentations were compared with those of traditional classroom approaches for grades 3 and 5. The study was completed at a single school in a rural area of Saskatchewan, Canada, where two classrooms at each grade level were used in a pretest-posttest design.…

The importance of using computers in a science education class is not limited to computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Computers may also be used as an educational strategy to improve overall learning and computer literacy in students. Research has shown an improvement in academic achievement in students using computers, as well as an increase in…

This study examines the literature in order to evaluate the use of microcomputers as educational tools in the classroom from kindergarten through the college level. Following a brief introduction, annotations for 38 articles are provided under the following topic headings: background articles containing statistics and examples of computer use;…

Investigates the attitudes of urban mothers and junior high school students toward microcomputers and examines the relationship of sex and other factors to those attitudes. Both students and mothers were found to hold similarly positive attitudes toward computers, viewing computer knowledge as important for academic achievement and for future…

Discusses various factors involved in planning and implementing an introductory computer science course in an Indian secondary school located in Bahrain. Topics discussed include computer literacy; selection criteria for microcomputers; funding; computer laboratories; teacher training; criteria for student selection; students' viewpoints; teaching…

The purpose of this study is to present information that will help educators to gain a better understanding of microcomputer capabilities and limitations and to inform them as to the role of microcomputers in the classroom. Through examination of studies and articles six topics related to computer-assisted instruction (CAI) are addressed: (1) age…

Based on a comprehensive review of the existing research reinforced by consultation with a panel of experts, this report documents the impact of computers on many aspects of elementary and secondary school operation--e.g., uses to which computers are put, student performance and attitudes, and teacher atttiudes--and also on postsecondary…

Proceedings of the ninth international conference on improving university teaching, whose theme was "The Social Dimensions and Demands of Teaching and Technology," are presented. Texts of more than 40 papers are included. These papers were offered in seminars in the following categories: (1) Non-Traditional Methods and Settings for Teaching the…

These proceedings contain eight presentations that report research in the area of marketing and distributive education: "An Analysis of Private-Sector Training and Development for Marketing and Service Related Industries" (Stewart Husted); "Microcomputers: Updating the Teaching of Merchandising in the Virginia Tech Teacher Education…