Computer literacy is now considered a basic skill as important as the Three R's in Florida, where instructors have been given a legislative mandate to ensure it. A leader in this movement shares the written standards that support this mandate and explains how they were developed. (JN)

Presents a rationale for changing from the current emphasis of precollege computer courses on BASIC programming skills to a focus on teaching applications software skills. Reviews research regarding the quality of computer literacy courses. Discusses parallel cognitive and affective consequences of programming and applications software. Promotes…

Argues that most school systems in the United States fit into one of the five evolutionary stages of computer use: initial experimentation, state legislative involvement, search for software, initial computer integration, and full integration. These stages are described and tips on how to choose the best computer software are given. (MBR)

Describes one previously "computer illiterate" teacher's experiences in taking a beginning course in computer programming and notes the teacher's resulting sense of achievement, growth in self-confidence, and ability to use the computer to tailor educational computer programs to individual student needs. (PGD)

The author examines ways in which microcomputers can be used with gifted students, addressing the following topics: hardware, educational software, computer literacy, the computer as research tool, the computer and creativity, programing, and computers and the very young. (CL)

Claims that exhortations about the need for "computer literacy" have much in common with longer standing debates about literacy itself; that both kinds of discussion usually rest on a serious misconception of technology and its roles in history; and that the issues can be best understood by situating them within the evolution of the present…

Five curricular options which can be adopted for special education teacher training programs are discussed and evaluated as possible alternatives for addressing the computer literacy needs of special educators. (JW)

Describes principals' responsibilities in overseeing educational technology. Outlines computer knowledge and skills principals should possess about hardware, software, word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, integrated software, and school applications (scheduling, grading, recording attendance, budgeting, maintaining inventories, etc.).…

This study focused on the operational skills and conceptual understandings of videotex likely to be developed in a school setting. The sample was an eighth grade science class. Conclusions are discussed in terms of guidelines for planning in-school applications of videotex.

Describes the design of a BASIC computer program which enables students to learn BASIC in the context of top-down structured projects and discusses a specific example which uses a program to teach students about double-scripted variables and data structures. (MBR)

Discusses optimum school uses for microcomputers, how computers affect learning, and how computer effectiveness can be maximized. (JOW)

Discusses the introduction of computers and appropriate software (computer-assisted instruction, computer games, open-ended programs) into the public library children's room. Computer literacy as a public library goal, specific objectives of a program at Oakville Public Library (Ontario), and library role in the information age are highlighted.…

Judah Schwartz, co-director of the newly National Institute of Education-funded Educational Technology Center (which will investigate ways various technologies can have positive effects on K-12 mathematics, science, and computer science), offers his views on various topics and issues related to computer science education. (JN)

A survey of graduates of Nova Southeastern University was conducted to find out what they thought about their university experience and what they thought about their training in and use of computers at college. To take advantage of the survey process, graduates were also asked to offer information on demographics and career patterns. The study was…

Outlines a teacher inservice course which introduces educators to computers. Each of the three-hour sessions provides both instruction and hands-on experience on the computer. A chart detailing the inservice activities is included. (JJD)