The first of two articles in this issue of Policy Briefs focuses on the potential of modern technology to transform education in terms of what is taught, how it is taught, and how the educational enterprise is managed. Judson Hixson and Debra Beauprez center their discussion around five categories of issues that have emerged from this increased…

This assessment of the status of computer assisted school automation (CASA) in Japan begins by describing the structure of the Japanese educational system and the roles of CASA in that system. Statistics on various aspects of computers in Japanese schools and the findings of several surveys are cited to report on the present state of educational…

This guide deals with the use of computer technology with students who have moderate cognitive abilities. It defines moderate mental retardation and notes the decreasing incidence of mental retardation. It describes characteristics of students with moderate cognitive abilities and examines the role of technology in the educational program of these…

Computers and other forms of technology are revolutionizing many aspects of society. U.S. education has sought to enhance the technological revolution, and to make computers available to students at all levels. However, in spite of wider availability, not all students are attaining equal access to computers and other items. This report seeks to…

This study was conducted to investigate five research questions concerning computer teachers: (1) How do male and female computer teachers compare in terms of professional preparation and experience? (2) What are the demographics of computer teachers currently in the classroom? (3) How do computer teachers' perceive their male and female students?…

Analysis of conversations among teachers and researchers who are participants in a national computer network, the School Renewal Network, provides insights into cooperative learning and its implementation, as well as the role that collegial electronic networks can play in school reform. This paper presents data collected from a small group…

Although today's schools are rapidly acquiring computers and increasingly relying on them for instructional purposes, training of teachers to use computers in the classroom has not kept up with this trend. If teachers are to be held accountable for integrating computers into their instructional repertoire, they deserve systematic exposure to…

This newsletter special issue provides a compendium of information, strategies, and resources concerning the use of technology by individuals with special needs. A section on strategies for the effective use of technology contains the following papers: "A Philosophy for the Use of Technology in Special Education" (A. Edward Blackhurst…

This paper explores the feasibility of neural computing methods such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) and abductory induction mechanisms (AIM) for use in educational measurement. ANNs and AIMS methods are contrasted with more traditional statistical techniques, such as multiple regression and discriminant function analyses, for making…

This book offers an alternative conceptual framework for effectively incorporating computer use within the heterogeneous classroom. The framework integrates Vygotskian social-learning theory with Allport's contact theory and the principles of cooperative learning. In Part 1 an essential element is identified for each of these areas. These are, in…

This case study focuses on the impact of technology in the Peakview Elementary School (Colorado) which, in order to implement organizational and teaching strategies advocated by the school restructuring reform movement, installed more than 80 networked computers and related technology. The study relied on written surveys and interviews of teachers…

Today's information infrastructure provides access to a growing array of software and services for education. As both the capabilities of technology and the number of its uses grow, the need to set national policy for computer networking has become increasingly apparent. The High Performance Computing Act of 1991 established government support for…

Science and technology are often presented and taught as two separate essences. When this is done, students as well as teachers are forced to attempt to develop the appropriate linkages. This book is one of a series designed to help teachers develop their science and technological education in ways that are both satisfying to themselves and…

To learn more about students' computer-literacy levels and attitudes about computer use, a pilot study was performed in the summer of 1993 to evaluate the computer literacy of first-year students entering the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. A survey was completed by 444 incoming students during their orientation programs. The majority had some…

This report reviews student usage of microcomputers in schools and the effects of microcomputer use on their academic achievement. Data was collected using: (1) a national survey from the 1989 international "CompEd" survey of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement; (2) a 1989 survey of teacher attitudes…