The purposes of this study were to: (1) establish existing computer literacy levels among faculty members at El Camino College, California; (2) determine the principal obstacles to self-directed computer training, along with strategies designed to overcome these obstacles; and (3) develop recommendations concerning the structure of self-directed,…

This survey of the literature provides a review and synthesis of research findings and current thought on the use of microcomputers by school children. Modes of learning and taxonomies of learning are described, and the results of recent surveys indicating the number of computers in schools and the amount of access by students are reported.…

An instructional program was developed and implemented to help four first-grade students use an Atari 800 microcomputer. To determine the extent to which the four students and 40 teachers were familiar with computers and to judge their attitudes toward using them in classrooms, a survey was administered. While teachers' responses varied, all…

In November 1983, a questionnaire was mailed to 1,761 addresses in the J. A. Garfield school district to ascertain citizens' awareness of computers in schools and their support for school computer purchases and provision of instruction in computer programming. A total of 125 questionnaires were returned (a 7.09% response rate). Findings showed…

Outlines competencies for computer education specialists, i.e., individuals working with teachers and students to teach the use of computers for instructional purposes rather than computer science. These competencies were developed from an informal survey of individuals currently working in such positions. (MBR)

Indicates that although computer science has been free of male domination, the stereotype of computers as male machines is emerging with increasing growth in microcomputer use by children. Factors that account for this development and some strategies teachers can adopt to equalize computer use by boys and girls are presented. (MBR)

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)

Reports on a survey of teacher educators (n=38) about required computer courses for education majors. Most institutions required and offered one three to four credit computer course. Only 15 percent planned to supplement required courses. There were 51 computer labs on 40 campuses. Instructor presentation was the standard instructional method. (SM)

This report presents the results of a survey of provisions for adult education in computing in New Zealand between 1984 and 1987. The study focused on the current generation's perception of their need for education about computers, the kind of information they want, whether courses are available to meet their needs, whether the relative cheapness…

This guide outlines a program to familiarize elementary students with microcomputer operations, the widespread use of computers, and the computer's capabilities and limitations. The first section presents objectives, learning activities, and evaluation methods for six content areas: (1) What is a computer? (2) How do computers work? (3) Student…

Compares two surveys--one of school administrators and one of computer experts--on perceptions of priorities among computer competencies for school administrators. Analysis includes importance of computer literacy; programing, application, hardware/software, and resource acquisition skills; and awareness of training needs. Experts were found to be…

This description of an inservice training program in basic microcomputer literacy for college faculty and staff at Ferris State College (Michigan) details the follow-up evaluation used to identify the merit and worth of the training. The report presents both the format and subject matter of the training, which consisted of three 3-hour workshops…

Discusses the results of an ongoing research study to measure college students' microcomputer literacy before taking a microcomputer course. A brief review of the literature on computer literacy is provided, a comparative analysis of results is given, and a microcomputer literacy index is described that measures literacy and ranks students.…

Reports views of six professionals--a psychologist, an educator, an administrative assistant at a medical college, a chemist, and a labor lawyer--who conduct their own online searching. The uses of microcomputers and online databases, costs, time involved, information needs, and satisfaction with the accuracy of search results are discussed. (EJS)

Addresses from two perspectives the problem of providing opportunities for all students to gain knowledge and skills required to use microcomputers: appropriate microcomputer use in the classroom and curriculum, and its role as an indicator of the nature of public education, a catalyst for educational reform, and an equalizer. (MBR)