This paper presents an overview of information technology development. The first section sets the scene, comparing the first WAN (Wide Area Network) and Intel processor to current technology. The birth of the microcomputer is described in the second section, including historical background on semiconductors, microprocessors, and the microcomputer.…

A process developed at Colorado State University to assess college students' knowledge of microcomputers prior to taking an introductory microcomputer course uses self-questionnaires to place students in the microcomputer learning curve according to their knowledge of and interest in microcomputers. Students can then be grouped into different…

With the realization that microcomputers provide an extraordinary value to the organization follows the need to address a variety of issues in order to more effectively manage these resources. Each of the 14 chapters, consisting of papers written by different authors, represents a different perspective existing in organizations with respect to the…

An overview of the current status of new information technologies (NIT) in teaching, training, research, and administration of higher education internationally includes 25 papers: "The Impact of NITS of Higher Education" (C. Calude and M. Malitza); "Educational Implications of Artificial Intelligence" (M.A. Boden); "On…

Describes a study of first-year students at a university in Scotland that was conducted to determine their use of computers at home and in school, their knowledge about information technology, and reasons for not studying computing. Results are compared with two earlier studies to examine gender-related differences over time. (Contains 12…

Discusses the current roles of information technology (IT) in formal education and characterizes emerging trends in the field. Identifies specific uses of computers in physics education and lists representative programs. (ML)

This document is an interim report of a project funded by the Manpower Services Commission in Great Britain. The main aim of the project is to investigate how information technology (IT) may support the British Further Education Unit's proven curriculum development model. The report is structured around the five curriculum development processes in…

There is a serious risk that the extra burden of adding instruction about microcomputers and software to regular elementary school curricula may turn off both teachers and students to the potential that microcomputers have for improving learning. To counter this risk, microcomputers should be integrated into the regular instructional program of…

This paper describes a new core curriculum at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a state supported black liberal arts college which emphasizes leadership and community service. The new core, "Critical Foundations in the Arts and Sciences" (CFAS), provides more interdisciplinary courses, and facilitates subsequent interdisciplinary…

Describes Ontario Ministry of Education efforts to provide microcomputer facilities for schools, facilitate software development, reinforce the ministry's philosophy of education, and stimulate the Canadian computer and software industry. Provides historical perspective and notes recent initiatives taken. (MVL)

Forty-one small liberal arts colleges were visited during the 1997-98 school year in order to talk to key information technology staff and to see computing facilities. A survey containing 15 factual and 10 open-ended questions was used to gather information. This paper presents findings in the following areas and comparison with results of a…