The differences between multiple-choice, simulated, and concurrent tests of software-skills proficiency are discussed. For three basic human-resource functions, the advantages of concurrent tests (i.e., those that use the actual application software) include true performance-based assessment, unconstrained response alternatives, and increased job…

This report provides statistical information on computer use in the United States in 1989, including home, work, and school use, and use according to socioeconomic status, race, and sex. The data show that between 1984 and 1989 there was a substantial increase in the levels of computer ownership and use. Fifteen percent of all U.S. households…

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of communication between Arizona's secondary schools and postsecondary institutions concerning computer education and computer literacy. A document analysis of college catalogs and a survey of 70 school districts determined the extent of advanced placement courses, computer education services,…

Using R. E. Clark's concept of media attributions, a study examined the evolution of fourth through tenth grade students' perceptions about computers on three dependent variables--preference, perceived learning, and perceived difficulty, over the course of 3 years. Subjects were 339 public school students in Tennessee who completed a…

Although the use of computers in the classroom has been heralded as a major breakthrough in education, many educators have yet to use computers to their fullest advantage. This is perhaps due to the traditional assumption that students differed only in their speed of learning. However, new research indicates that students differ in their style of…

Intended to establish a philosophical base for the acquisition and utilization of computers for both administrative and instructional purposes, this paper begins by briefly describing instructional applications and listing the necessary elements of a computer literacy program. Administrative applications are discussed in terms of traditional…

Papers from a media leadership conference are presented in this volume, as well as a foreword, a list of conference coordinating committee members, a message from the director of the council, and the conference agenda. Papers from the three conference general sessions are: "Status of Computer Technology in American Education" by Richard…

In this review and evaluation of a week-long workshop in computer literacy developed for home economics teachers, the following points are raised: (1) There is a need for inservice programs designed to overcome teacher anxiety about computers; (2) Lack of instruction regarding the use of the microcomputer is the most important factor limiting the…

This paper addresses primary objectives related to the design and execution of an instructional computing literacy curriculum for the fourth-year undergraduate teacher education major. The first objective discussed is the presentation of a rationale for providing computer literacy training in a preservice environment, as opposed to an inservice…

Part I of this two-part article on technology (specifically, computers) and equal education points out three dangers which will increase the opportunity gap between the haves and the have-nots in the United States: (1) the replacement of educational equity by technology education as a national priority; (2) existing differences in educational…

This brief, non-technical narrative for teachers addresses the following questions: (1) What are computers? (2) How do they work? (3) What can they do? (4) Why should we care? (5) What do they have to do with reading instruction? and (6) What is the future of computers for teachers and students? Specific topics discussed include the development of…

This publication outlines a set of competencies for all public school educators and is designed to guide the development of computer study based on specific objectives. The order for teaching the competencies is left to the discretion of the inservice or preservice teacher, and they may be taught in independent courses or incorporated into…

Intended for developers of vocational education professionals and for educators making decisions about the usefulness of personal computers in education, this report deals with the effects of the personal computing revolution on professional development of vocational educators. The two major papers and published opinion pieces that make up this…

The purpose of the study was to determine if teaching a discrete course in a constructivist learning environment could reduce the level of anxiety towards Information Technology (IT) among pre-service teachers who perceived themselves as IT competent (Group 1) and IT incompetent (Group 2). The study also sought to investigate if the anxiety level…

Whether we are conscious or not, technology has made an important impact in our daily life. Like in all other areas, education has been transformed and more active learning methods are now being implemented. This paper is attempting to describe a novel approach for using modern technology. This approach expects that learners prepare their own…