The purpose of this study was to investigate whether parents were more likely to purchase home computers for sons than for daughters, and whether elementary and secondary students reflect sex differences in their attitudes toward computer use. The survey instrument was constructed to provide face validity in order to investigate whether computer…

This paper presents a descriptive review of how the Provost's Office of the College of Letters and Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) implemented 330 microcomputers in the 34 academic departments from July 1984 through June 1986. The decision to implement stand-alone microcomputers was based on four concerns: increasing…

This document reports results from an exploratory investigation into the adoption and use of microcomputers in the home, which involved interviews with 77 home computer owners, 19 individuals who were in the process of computer adoption, and a small sample of home computer manufacturers and retailers. The first two chapters provide information on…

Citing the growing interest in using microcomputers as an aid in educational administration, this report discusses factors that must be considered when purchasing a computer and describes an actual case of computer implementation for administrative purposes. The first steps in the purchasing process are to assess and to prioritize the…

Guidelines for purchasing computers and for curriculum planning are offered as a beginning for educators interested in computers. The first section includes eight steps to take in planning for a computer, a chart of a microcomputer infusion model, an article on rating the microcomputers, and guides to understanding the rating factors and computer…

This book explains how computers can be used in the home, office or school, and provides a consumer's guide to computer equipment for the novice user. The first sections of the book offer a brief sketch of computer history, a listing of entertaining and easily available computer programs, a step-by-step guide to buying a computer, and advice on…

Examines the need for medium to large academic libraries to have a policy for staff use of microcomputers. Key issues that should be covered in such a policy are outlined, including rules for acquisition and use, compatibility of hardware and software, and data administration. A model policy is provided. (CDD)

Discusses development of the first computers; identifies five generations of computers; reviews projections for sales and proliferation of microcomputers into the marketplace; outlines procedures for selecting microcomputers and evaluating software; and reviews several articles on microcomputers centering on user requirements. (MBR)

Lists 36 directories and additional sources for the purchasing of educational microcomputer software and review journals to aid in selecting best title from among many possibilities listed in directories. Addresses and price information are included. (EJS)

Before purchasing a specific microcomputer, school districts should consider what types of software applications are desired, whether the micro is capable of being upgraded, which software and operating systems are supported by the micro at present, and how many of the particular model are currently operating. Hardware and software are evaluated.…

Computer literacy for school business managers means knowing what tasks computers can perform to assist in the management process; understanding that the logical steps in a particular analysis depend on the business manager, not the computer; and knowing how and when to select the appropriate software package. (MLF)

Describes the management advantages computers can bring to small school districts. Advises purchasers to select quality software first, then purchase a computer that can handle the software. (MLF)

Suggests guidelines for selecting microcomputers, reviews present status of microcomputer industry, projects microcomputer capabilities for 1988 and 1998, and discusses implications of recent trends on microcomputer purchasing. It is concluded that buyers interested in a microcomputer for information management will make a safe decision selecting…

Presents data on how schools have changed the way they obtain microcomputers and how they organize their use by students. Also shows that how schools obtain their microcomputers and who is responsible for implementing them is indicative of which students use them, for what purposes, and with what consequences. (JN)

Reported are (1) rationale for standardizing the purchase of microcomputers by the Houston Independent School District; (2) general criteria used to evaluate bids; and (3) reasons why Bell and Howell was selected as the best bidder. This is the largest single microcomputer purchase by a school district to date. (JN)