Central to this collection of nine papers is the unifying theme of excellence and quality in the American educational system with emphasis on the role of educational technology. Although each paper addresses a different audience, the content of each is similar with respect to the U.S. Department of Education's role in providing funds for such…

This book provides examples of a few simple activities that parents can do with their children. Being "scientific" is defined as being curious, observing, asking how things happen, and learning how to find the answers. This book suggests ways parents can interest their children from about 3 to 10 years of age in science. Included are (1)…

The first section of this paper, focusing on conceptions and applications of educational planning, seeks to identify problems that affect the educational efforts of the nations of the world. Problems in economic and financial, socio-political, and cultural veins are discussed. Section 2 examines the particular educational problems generally faced…

The development and validation of two instruments which measure attitudes and self-efficacy of teacher education students and practicing teachers toward computer use are described. One instrument--Attitudes toward Computer Technologies (ACT)--assesses perceived usefulness of and comfort/anxiety with computer technologies. The second…

Influences upon trends in literacy research include national and international agendas, active networks, and public images of literacy. Five trends in literacy research can be discerned. The first trend is research that tries to determine the extent of difficulties with literacy and its causes. Another trend is a shift in views and definitions of…

This tutor training guide and handbook are designed to help organize training workshops for the new tutor of English as a Second Language (ESL), and to assist the tutor in understanding this student population and in organizing materials and activities for teaching. Materials for tutors include a discussion of the student population and its…

This collection of eight papers is designed to assist educators in becoming computer literate and in identifying and developing competencies necessary to implement microcomputers in K-12 classrooms. For the novice, it contains an overview of computers, a discussion of their use in daily life and in education, and coverage of important terms and…

Noting that the degree to which the concept of ethnicity is understood and taken into account at all levels of educational planning is the single most important factor in the success of programs designed for the education of ethnic and socioeconomic minorities, this paper discusses the concept in general, then outlines the components of an…

Defining aliteracy as the problem of persons who are able to read but choose not to, the conference papers in this compilation focus on whether aliteracy is a significant and growing problem, whether literacy is an important value, and how the survival of literacy can be ensured. Following an introduction to the purpose of the conference, the…

This paper proposes a two-part, basic computer literacy program for university faculty, staff, and students with no prior exposure to computers. The program described would introduce basic computer concepts and computing center service programs and resources; provide fundamental preparation for other computer courses; and orient faculty towards…

To clarify computer literacy needs in teacher education, this study focused on the determination of computer literacy course offerings in higher education institutions, the perceived skills a computer literate teacher should possess, and discrepancies between teacher perceptions and computer literacy course offerings. Results were used to develop…

Articles collected in this issue of UNICEF News deal with different aspects of the theme of the child and its environment. Specifically, topics covered include (1) awareness of the kind of world our children will inherit; (2) the survival of an urban child; (3) the survival of a Sahelian rural child as a working member of his farming community;…

Articles collected in this issue of UNICEF News deal with different aspects of the theme of communication in development programs. Specifically, topics covered include (1) communication as a total process and the role of communication in overcoming obstacles to social change; (2) a village education and resource center, in Bangladesh, committed to…

Some children become capable readers and writers before ever attending school and without exposure to formal instruction. This phenomenon--sometimes referred to as natural literacy development--is not, in the strictest sense, natural; as the adult presents much of the literacy environment to the child in a socialized, mediated form, teaching is…

Prepared as part of a series applying recent research in oral and written communication instruction to classroom practice, this booklet examines the role of technology in the classroom. Following a brief discussion of the impact of television on students, the first major section of the booklet explores the power of television as a curriculum tool.…