The authors argue that definitions of computer literacy are too broad and that the term "computer competence" more usefully addresses questions of knowledge and skills. A taxonomy of computer competence, comprised of four levels, is proposed, and its uses for elementary through higher education are discussed. (MT)

Discusses: (1) the architecture of expert systems; (2) features that distinguish expert systems from conventional programs; (3) conditions necessary to select a particular application for the development of successful expert systems; (4) issues to be resolved when building expert systems; and (5) limitations. Examples of selected expert systems…

Presents a description of Act I, the newest database from Data Courier, Inc., which provides an online directory of computer related companies and products. Highlights include content, applications, most useful features, classification code/classification name, and output. A sample record, journals list, and database specifications are included.…

Describes five computer-oriented activities suitable for middle grade students. Activities focus on use of spreadsheets to record nutrition data, programs that cause lights to twinkle on a Christmas tree and balloons to burst, an arithmetic problem, and a mathematics exercise using a spreadsheet. (JN)

Some techniques for managing the classroom and teaching programing that have worked well are described. Hardware placement and use, classroom management, instructional recommendations, and programing ideas are each discussed. (MNS)

The president of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, Anatoly Alexandrov, recently announced a computer education effort designed to achieve computer literacy among all high school graduates in the Soviet Union by the year 2000. Rationale for this trend as well as the industrial and political red tape involved are discussed. (JN)

Describes a study that identified each occupation in which computers are used. Questions about training were asked. Occupations were grouped into three categories: occupations requiring extensive computer training, occupations in which some workers may need to learn how to program computers, and occupations requiring only brief training in…

Provides tips to help primary-aged students with computer keyboarding skills (suggesting the use of color codes and listing currently available software). Also describes (and lists) a program which helps test students' understanding of IF-THEN statements and illustrates some hazards of "spaghetti programming" (debugging). (JN)

Discusses the place of descriptive geometry in schools problems of teaching technical graphics to young students. Instructional materials for teaching technical graphics, graphic programs, program development, and the value of school project work are considered. Sample computer-generated drawings are included. (JN)

Suggests a moving pictorial tool to help teach principles in the bubble sort algorithm. Develops such a tool applied to an unsorted list of numbers and describes a method to derive the run time of the algorithm. The method can be modified to run the times of various other algorithms. (JN)

Presents five activities suitable for middle grades. These include listings for a car race (BASIC) and poetry (Pilot) programs, and activities on graphics without programing, new meanings (related to computers) of old words, and developing a list of historical events. (JN)

The Computer Awareness Program at Pennsylvania State University centers around 21 courses that provide the user community with a common understanding of computer technology. (MLF)

Discusses changing telecommunications environment and effect these changes might have on information systems design. Major telecommunications factors and trends reviewed are classified as technical (application of computer technologies to classical telecommunications problems), economic, and regulatory policy related (divestiture of American…

Reviews books for intermediate and older readers on astronomy, the history of computers, and geology. (CRH)

Provides answers to nine myths about computers, including computers are invaluable for school and home use; programing experience means job security; teachers will develop their own software; computers make good teachers; computer experts will form an elite social class; and computers increase student achievement. (JN)