Computer science has been a discipline for some years, and its position in the school curriculum has been contested differently in several countries. This paper looks at its role in three countries to illustrate these differences. A reconsideration of computer science as a separate subject both in primary and secondary education is suggested. At…

A study of 148 male and 161 female 7-12 graders tested the hypothesis that computer attitudes and computer confidence positively affect each other and that both positively affect commitment to computer learning. Contrary to expectations, computer confidence had a negative effect on commitment to learning. Includes an attitudes and self-confidence…

Suggests the use of computer simulation of continuous systems as a problem solving approach to computer languages. Outlines the procedures that the system dynamics approach employs in computer simulations. Explains the advantages of the special purpose language, DYNAMO. (ML)

Examines factors related to computer anxiety measured by the Computer Anxiety Index (CAIN). Achievement in two programing courses was inversely related to computer anxiety. Students who had a home computer and had computer experience before high school had lower computer anxiety than those who had not. Lists 14 references. (YP)

This kit features an introduction to the Computer Museum, a history of computer technology, and notes on how a computer works including hardware and software. A total of 20 exhibits are described with brief questions for use as a preview of the exhibit or as ideas for post-visit discussions. There are 24 classroom activities about the history and…

Provides examples from elementary mathematics principles which illustrate some of the advantages of an interactive mouse-driven animation. Explains the effectiveness of this approach with exercises dealing with a plane of waves and quadratic formulas. (ML)

Described is the design and evaluation of a learning unit which includes the basics of computerized feedback control. Included are sample topics, descriptions of the achievement measures, and conclusions of the study. (CW)

Examines male and female high school students' attitudes toward computers in relation to gender and computer experience. Findings revealed: males showed a more positive attitude toward computers even when computer experience was controlled; females were less interested in computer science (CS) than males, however no gender differences were found…

Provides an overview of the programing language PROLOG and highlights its educational uses. Explains how PROLOG serves as a model of representing commonsense understandings of motion. Identifies problem areas and proposes future tasks with the program. (ML)

With the purpose of addressing the area of language choice in computer programming, this paper specifically addresses the use of BASIC as a language for secondary level students. Perspectives are offered on: (1) the role of computers in science education; (2) the differences in quality and intent of PASCAL and BASIC; (3) the role of a…

Describes survey of student use of microcomputers in 319 small and 350 large public high schools throughout the United States. Finds 99% of schools owned microcomputers chiefly for instructional purposes. Discusses problems of large student/computer ratios, high costs of microcomputers and software, and teacher reluctance to use new technology.…

The North Carolina State Board of Education, as part of the Quality Assurance Program, established a computer proficiency requirement for students in grade eight for the 1996-97 school year and beyond in order to receive a North Carolina high school diploma. The first opportunity to meet the requirement is during the eighth grade. Passing the…

Presents a study that investigates the knowledge and skills that relate to computer programing. Finds that knowledge and procedural skills are related to computer programing. Recommends that since instruction in computer programing facilitates problem-solving, computer programing courses should be augmented to include teaching template and…

Emphasizes the importance of computer training in dealing with an information society. Stresses the role of instructional technology in enhancing existing educational specialties. Foresees as the role of future teachers of information science the development and operation of school computer technology systems. Calls for new criteria for evaluating…

This unit of instruction provides the teacher with assistance when teaching database use on the computer in secondary and postsecondary business education classes. Section I is the introduction addressed to the teacher. It provides instruction on how to proceed with the unit, types of software available, and where to use this material within the…