Presents three ideas to help teachers who have only one computer for the entire classroom. The suggestions include having the teachers use the computer themselves to enhance productivity, hooking the computer up to a visual display, and looking for curriculum packages that inspire groups, not individuals. (SM)

Intended to aid teachers, administrators, and interested parents by informing them about the state of the educational microcomputer market, this report is meant to be a guide to school districts in the acquisition and maintenance of microcomputers and related instructional materials. Trends in educational computing technology are noted in relation…

Updated information for computer purchases appropriate for use in a childcare center classroom is offered. Includes a list of minimum hardware requirements for Windows-based computers as well as Macintosh, and low-budget alternative solutions. New software titles for preschool children and K-5 school-age children are reviewed. (AA)

Provides advice and suggestions for educators or parents who are trying to decide what type of computer to buy to run the latest computer software for children. Suggests that purchasers should buy a computer with as large a hard drive as possible, at least 10 megabytes of RAM, and a CD-ROM drive. (MDM)

Describes the process used to select a local area network (LAN) for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Library and Information Science. The use of computers at the library school by staff, faculty, and students is described, technical aspects of a LAN are explained, and the future of LANs is discussed. (LRW)

School districts prepare annual budgets in order to have adequate funding available for their operations. Today's budgets require flexibility and adaptability as school-district finances and governmental regulations and guidelines change. This article discusses several types of budgets and budget preparation that utilize microcomputer technology.…

Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…

Discusses frequently asked questions, presents common concerns, and gives suggestions for families and parents in five areas related to children's home computer use: (1) software selection; (2) computer time; (3) the Internet; (4) family interaction; and (5) supervision. (KB)

Argues that questions about hardware, software, and teacher training are no longer the most important topics in educational technology. Today the major issues are related to instructional strategies, instructionally appropriate software, training and support as a process, and facilitative organizational structures. (Contains 16 references.) (KRN)

This paper focuses on programs for the broad-scale, cyclical replacement of faculty desktop computers and attendant training to help faculty best utilize the new technology. Four diverse institutions, Mount Holyoke College, University of Mississippi, University of North Carolina, and Virginia Tech, present and discuss their solutions. Issues…

The article addresses use of microcomputer-based word processing for students with writing disabilities. The research is briefly reviewed, and four guidelines for choosing word processing software are offered, as are principles for teaching keyboarding. (DB)

Examines nine important questions that can help directors of child-care centers in selecting software to assist them with administrative tasks. These questions were developed based on the insights offered by an exchange panel of 200 members currently using center management software. Includes a listing of 24 center management software packages on…

Microcomputers in schools contribute significantly to the learning process, and software selection is taken as seriously as the selection of text books. The seven step process for responsible software selection are: (1) analyzing needs, including the differentiation between needs and objectives; (2) specification of requirements; (3) identifying…

Provides suggestions that teachers can pass on to parents about how computers can be used to provide meaningful early literacy opportunities. Includes seven rules of thumb useful for parents who want information on using computers for educational purposes. (MG)

Offers basic information for childcare directors on purchasing computer hardware and software for the center. Covers reasons for having computers, downsides to computers, the kind of computer to buy, minimum requirements for Windows-based computers and Macintosh computers, and other accessories. Presents brief descriptions of 9 software packages…