Assessed the effectiveness of four instructional methods used in fostering computer literacy and in teaching programing skills in 22 primary classes. Four key instructional variables delineated in Direct Instruction Model research were manipulated across the four methodologies. List of instructional objectives, instructional design, results, and…

A study investigated whether students had used a microcomputer prior to taking a computer literacy class, which computer languages they knew and used, whether they thought the computer literacy course should be required, and whether they thought the class would help them to secure a teaching position. Undergraduate students at Ball State (Indiana)…

Suggests that microcomputers may be a significant component in solving educational problems. Areas discussed include the nature of the problems, educational software development, computer assisted instruction (CAI), and effects of computers/CAI in primary and secondary schools. Comments from several government officials are also provided. (JN)

A computer activity center was established in a preschool in order to investigate the effect of the introduction and use of microcomputers on the environment and to assess the appropriateness of computers as tools for the preschool. The center consisted of one 16K Atari 400 computer, a black and white television, a cassette memory storage device,…

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)

Two reports have been issued related to a survey of school uses of microcomputers. Summarizes several major findings, indicating that they are contrary to what many people think is happening in schools. Source for additional information and newsletter from the project conducting the survey is included. (JN)

Provides abstracts of selected papers presented at EdCompCon '84. Topics addressed include: what features educators want in educational software; effects of teaching method on student performance by sex in a computer literacy course; implementation and evaluation of a university microcomputer laboratory; and implementation and evaluation of PLATO…

Presents questions to be asked when evaluating the efficacy of audiovisual products designed to increase computer literacy of students in classroom situations and suggests that continuing research is also needed to fully evaluate these products. (MBR)

Considered are concept development and errors in using both Logo and BASIC made by 25 prospective teachers in a computer literacy course. Understanding errors that students exhibit in programing may affect the ways mathematics teachers understand the process of learning structured content like mathematics. (MNS)

To examine the effects of using a microcomputer in mathematics instruction, a nine-month study with 87 fifth-grade students was conducted. The group having drill-and-practice on the microcomputer improved significantly more than a group using an individualized kit, and also gained significantly in computer literacy. (MNS)

Investigated were the effects of computer-assisted instruction and computer programing instruction on the feelings and knowledge students have about computers. For the 72 high-ability fifth-grade students participating, both treatments improved computer literacy in the affective domain, but only CAI improved it in the cognitive domain. (MNS)

Examines programs in Montreal, Canada, that offer microcomputing training--traditional private courses as well as an experimental, neighborhood-oriented "popular laboratory." Finds that both are used by men to advance their careers but that women use them to catch up and survive economically in a transformed workplace. (SR)

This annotated bibliography lists 12 items in the ERIC system that concern various applications of microcomputers in educational management. The literature here annotated examines the development of management information systems, papers on administrative computing presented at the 1982 Association for Educational Data Systems conference,…

The Mathematics Teacher Development Program was an effort to develop the skills of classroom teachers in the use of handheld calculators and microcomputer systems. It was sponsored by the National Science Foundation and Loyola University, and it consisted of an academic portion and an intense 3-week, full-time summer session. The focus of this…

Prepared as an address for educator groups, this paper provides a theoretical perspective for thinking about problems and prospects for integrating microcomputer uses in school activities. Six major aspects of the perspective are defined: (1) the computer as general-purpose symbolic device; (2) the importance of developmental studies of children's…