Examines how resource sharing works to bring the promise of high technology to the poor, considering whether it will increase disparities (particularly in the areas of education and employment) or it will be a tool to enhance the learning process and provide additional avenues for job seekers. (JN)

Describes design of three linked databases on gardening which are intended for use by home computer owners. Principles of development of these programs--which are neither expert systems nor databases in the usual sense--are outlined, and the self-education process in which the developers found themselves engaged is discussed. (MBR)

Describes a study assessing affective needs of inservice teachers seeking a formal introduction to educational computing. Interpretation of participating teachers' questionnaire responses indicate teachers' concerns were most intense in the areas of awareness, information, and personal concerns. These concerns have implications for inservice…

The author states that the educational community must provide programs that assure students they will be able to learn how to use and control computers. He discusses micro labs, prerequisites to computer literacy, curriculum development, teaching methods, simulation projects, a systems analysis project, new job titles, and primary basic skills…

Briefly describes a multimedia resource package entitled Microcomputers in Education, which is designed to facilitate and enhance the quality of inservice teacher training programs on computer literacy. Teachers' opinions of the package, elicited after its use at an inservice workshop, are summarized. (MBR)

Educators may have many questions about the values and uses of microcomputers in the school environment. Cost, versatility of software available, and amount of computer literacy desired are issues that may be encountered during computer selection. (DF)

Describes a 1981-82 pilot project in the use of computers in grades one through eight by six schools in two suburban Washington, DC, school districts. Despite "the many obstacles and barriers to computer literacy," three of the six schools made "amazing progress." (JBM)

A summary of each state's instructional computing requirements for students and teachers, and statewide microcomputer classroom use are presented in chart format. Funding information and additional comments are also included. (MBR)

An introductory course in BASIC programming for foreign language teachers that both develops skills in programming and encourages teacher use of computer-assisted instruction is described. More advanced questions concerning the manipulation of text in foreign language computer-assisted instruction are also discussed. (MSE)

An analysis of press support for computer literacy gives insight into how and why the news media influence the public towards universal acceptance of computers for educational purposes. This article focuses on how information dealing with science and technology is presented by the media. (DF)

The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the value of computer technology in special education, specifically in developing expressive and receptive language, in providing opportunities for real-life problem-solving experiences through simulations, in facilitating basic functioning, and in providing recreational alternatives.…

For institutions of higher education in Canada, the use of computer-assisted-instruction is miniscule. Instead, students of the sciences are shown how to program computers while students of the arts are shown how to use computers within their disciplines. Experiences in computing at the University of Waterloo are described. (JN)

This Digest summarizes the results of a survey administered to the American Educational Research Associations Survey Research Special Interest Group regarding the use of electronic surveys and discusses their responses in the context of the existing literature base. Topics include the conditions under which use of e-mail or Web-based surveys would…

This paper discusses how to create appropriate and well-planned learning activities for lower level, mostly adult, English-as-a-Second-Language students. The paper offers a step-by-step narrative on preparing a class to go to the computer lab, introducing them to and explaining the uses of basic computer components, and then leading them in a…

Whether we use technology with young children--and if so, how--are critical issues facing early childhood educators and parents. This Digest points out that many researchers do not recommend that children under 3 years old use computers. The Digest also notes that many educators use computers with young children in ways that are developmentally…