Discussed are a number of questions which should be asked about microcomputers in schools before computer assisted instruction is implemented. For example, what dangers are encountered in programs designed for classroom use? (RM)

Dicusses Modesto City (California) Schools' successful planning process for integrating a computer education program into the curriculum. Planning focused on six basic questions the district asks about any curriculum area reviewed. Generic skills needed for decision-making and other academic and occupational pursuits were targeted. (MLH)

Using an Oklahoma intermediate school program as an example, this article advises a laboratory approach to teaching computer literacy. Suggests nine-week minicourses linking computer and curriculum basics and wider student access to computers. (MLH)

PLATO has become a successful method for computer-based education in a statics course since it offers diversified teaching/learning activities as well as alternative ways to teach content and exercise skills. Advantages for student learning are discussed, course guidelines are given, and a description of the course's computer graphics is provided.…

Microcomputers offer medical educators a chance to explore the opportunities of computer-based instruction in their classrooms and curricula. Faculties have expressed some reservation about entering the field because of the new technology and the lack of supporting evidence for the value of this teaching modality. (Author/MLW)

Looks at four current issues in the computers-in-education debate: Is the computer a tool or a new subject? Is computer-assisted instruction an appropriate use of computers? Should computer literacy be taught and, if so, what should be taught and by whom? What equipment should be purchased? (SJL)

Presents observations about the long-range computer plans from three journalism schools, noting varied objectives, the most frequently chosen hardware, and the scarcity of software specific to journalism and mass communications instruction. (HTH)

Hardware and software requirements for setting up a microcomputer-based laboratory for an undergraduate psychology course in research methodology are discussed. (Author/RM)

Presents five articles that consider computer keyboarding instruction at the elementary school level. Highlights include keyboard familiarization techniques that do not require a computer; integrating keyboarding skills into the rest of the curriculum; and Type-Right, an inexpensive laptop computer dedicated to teaching keyboarding. (LRW)

Reviews the efforts of eight teachers involved in a study using microcomputers in schools. Reflects on how the pursuit and politics of institutional reward and innovation can undermine good practice. Advocates the use of critical thinking when participating in ethically justified innovation. (KO)

Observations in Australian classrooms suggest that for most teachers the content and method of curriculum has changed little as a result of the proliferation of new information technologies. In many instances there has been considerable resistance and reluctance to embrace the use of new technologies to support the teaching and learning process.…

This manual provides background materials for Project CIRCLE (Curriculum by Industry Review-Computers Link to Education), a competency-based curriculum developed to provide trainers or educators teaching short-term or long-term programs with a complete field-tested curriculum in microcomputer applications. Prefatory materials and acknowledgements…

Describes a framework for introducing micro-based computer cartography into college-level courses. The discussion centers on hardware, software, practical considerations, and snags. (RM)

The author provides teachers with ideas which will help them to write computer-assisted instruction modules in any subject area, using the BASIC programing language and Radio Shack's TRS-80 microcomputer. Hints include compressing print statements, setting timing loops, and adding video interest. Sample program listings are provided. (SJL)

Discussion of educational software evaluation strategies for effective computer-assisted instruction highlights CLOPPE, a software evaluation form that enables the previewer to analyze the software's objectives and to determine where it can be effectively integrated within the curriculum. The importance of subjective evaluation is emphasized. (28…