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.…

A literature review of studies on educational computer applications and use revealed that U.S. school districts have incorporated microcomputers into both their instructional and administrative processes. Apple and Radio Shack's TRS-80 microcomputers are the two most popular microcomputers used. Mathematics and language usage are most often…

Based on observation, interviews, and questionnaires, the first section of this paper discusses lessons learned while watching teachers use the first set of "The Voyage of the Mini" materials (a video, computer, and print package). The focus is on the need to create an environment that will support an inquiry-based curriculum. The second section…

Ninety-one college writing teachers completed a questionnaire about the extent of their computer use, computers and the writing process, advantages and disadvantages of computer use, problems encountered and suggested solutions, and future directions. Among the findings are the following: (1) The majority of those involved in computer assisted…

Discussion of ways to effectively use computers in classrooms focuses on a national survey, the CompEd survey of the IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement), that examined computer use in grades 3-12. Highlights include teacher attitudes, teacher roles, and the need for improved software and more powerful…

The current state of computer literacy and computer use among Anchorage School District elementary classroom teachers was assessed with a sample of four schools. Computer literacy was considered as the general range of skills and understandings needed to utilize a computer in the classroom effectively. A 17-item questionnaire, administered to 82…

Although three curriculum-delivery systems which use terminals to download curriculum software from a super microcomputer offer advantages of individualized instruction over several grade levels with individual student progress reports and updated software, the expense of the initial installation makes it difficult for them to compete with…

Describes a survey that was conducted to identify the range of software programs in use in a sample of higher education institutions, examine usage patterns, and identify those programs reported as most useful to students, including foreign students. Gender differences and perceptions of Macintosh versus IBM hardware are also considered. (LRW)

This study examined ways in which microcomputers are used in schools and the complex issues that surround their implementation. Three fictional geographically distinct school districts with a diversity of microcomputer applications at both the elementary and secondary levels were studied: Salerno, a large southern city; Granite, a midwestern city;…

To determine the number and current use of microcomputers in Alberta's elementary, junior, and senior high schools, a total of 1,509 schools were surveyed. The results, as reported by 1,271 schools (84.2%), showed the total number of microcomputers to be 13,748. To provide more in-depth information, schools were categorized by six instructional…

Study of algebra students' response to availability of optional interactive computer graphing lessons analyzed responses of both users and non-users. Information sought included number of lessons completed, students' opinions of value and difficulty of lessons, whether students felt threatened by computer use, and relationship of gender and age to…

Reports the results of the U.S. portion of a 1989 survey of elementary and secondary schools conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) that focused on school and teacher practices in using microcomputers. Highlights include hardware, instructional uses, goals for computer use, and software…

Describes a survey of physics and physical science teachers in Iowa that was conducted to determine their use of microcomputers. Availability of computers and types of software used are examined, frequency of use and access to computer laboratories are investigated, and results are compared with those from earlier surveys. (seven references) (LRW)

This is a report on the status of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) networked systems utilizing microcomputer technology at the end of the 1987-88 school year, the first year of CAI network implementation in the public schools of Hawaii. Data for the study were collected via: site visitations to 12 of the 19 networked CAI schools; interviews;…

Discussion of educational applications of new information technologies in Japan highlights the use of microcomputers. Surveys of elementary and secondary schools are reported; inservice teacher training is described; and government involvement in educational policy is discussed, focusing on two appended reports on microcomputers and software…