A principal/counselor partnership in a small Colorado high school uses a microcomputer to enhance their roles and effectively provide services for the school and students. They have developed a unique needs assessment process, a word processing program for senior letters of recommendation, and a database on gifted and talented programs. (MD)

Discusses the impact of the computer age on American educational needs and goals, assessing the increasing use of computers and the need for improved software. Considers costs involved in providing more powerful computers to schools and calls for research to clarify knowledge underlying software interaction paradigms. (JM)

Planning for instructional use of microcomputers should start with the curriculum, not with computers. Planning is a necessity and it should be a fluid process. A planning model offered by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium starts with an analysis of current curriculum to identify the content, skills, and attitudes that are considered…

Identifies five steps in the development of strategic planning: identification of goals, development of programs, setting of priorities, implementation of programs, and evaluation. Includes discussion of the five stages and the uses of microcomputers. (MD)

The establishment of university microcomputer services for the public has at least two purposes: the promotion of the image of the institution with widely diverse groups and the maximization of the university's capital investment. The first step in planning to serve the public is to undertake a needs assessment by locating target populations…

A survey of 46 Arizona school districts revealed that the districts use computer assisted instruction most frequently in language courses; 37 percent of the responding districts use microcomputers, but 45 percent of all microcomputers are used in only one district; use of microcomputers is planned for both administration and instruction; and…

A model for designing efficient teacher training in computer literacy and usage should begin with preplanning to consider the goals, objectives, and purposes of the training; the needs of the teacher/student; the content and sequence of information to be taught; and careful evaluation procedures for use in further planning. Planners must recognize…

Briefly discusses no-plan approach and linear approach to school district computer involvement and suggests contingency planning approach is better. Components of this approach--conducting situation audit of internal and external environments, generating within-district support, formulating district-wide policies, and developing an ongoing…

This paper presents an example of a course syllabus that integrates the use of microcomputers as part of a recommendation that administrators become specialists in microcomputing in their preparatory programs. Computers' dramatically reduced costs, in combination with increased power, has made them easily available in the form of microcomputers.…

The preparation of Drexel University faculty for the introduction of a microcomputing program is described. Faculty training had to be done on a variety of levels, from basic training in computer operation for the novice to advanced training in highly technical procedures and languages. Maximum faculty participation was sought throughout the…

This paper explores the feasibility of developing a single-user microcomputer-based testing system. Testing literature was surveyed to discover types of test items that might be used in the system and to compile a list of strategies that such a system might use. Potential users were surveyed. Several were interviewed, and a questionnaire was…

This digest presents a reprint of an article which examines management principles that should be considered when implementing library end user searching programs. A brief discussion of specific implementation issues includes needs assessment, hardware, software, training, budgeting, what systems to offer, publicity and marketing, policies and…

Explains seven steps in implementing a computer system for the students, administration, and community of Illinois's Tiskilwa School District: assessing the computer needs, identifying barriers and incentives, identifying and selecting software, selecting appropriate hardware, specifying bid requirements, selecting a vendor and evaluating…

The introduction of Drexel University's microcomputing program, which provides students access to this technology for coursework, is described, with attention to the groups who played a major role in preparing the university. Faculty helped set the initial direction of the program and have been central to its operation. Other faculty roles…

This paper focuses on issues in the development of a technology support program for special education, particularly directed toward states with small, wide-spread populations. A three-level approach is suggested, with concentrated central expertise, regional resource points, and a network of individuals at the local level. The technology involved…