A survey was conducted to determine the extent to which public libraries have made computer hardware and software available to their patrons. In December 1984, questionnaires were distributed to a stratified national probability sample of 900 public library systems. Results, based on a response rate of 99%, indicate that: (1) 42% of the systems…

Although most segments of the American workforce now recognize that computers can reduce the drudgery of repetitive tasks and lighten the burden of information exchange, storage, and retrieval, some people, especially many humanists, social scientists, and other non-technically oriented professionals, remain hesitant to step into the computer age.…

Developed by the Michigan State Board of Education, this document begins with brief discussions of a philosophy for the integration of computers into all content areas and district planning for computer use in schools. Essential goals and objectives for computer education are then outlined in the following areas: (1) computing and its evolving…

Four articles focus on computers, information technology, and education: (1) "Information Technology: Some Implications for Education" (A. G. Shannon, B. S. Thorton, and Gareth Locksley) examines the last phase of technological development, the communication phase, as it relates to computer technology in education; (2) "Computers in…

Visually handicapped students (10-19 years old) at the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped receive training on computer equipment for word processing, computer literacy, programming, and computer assisted instruction. Hardware and software used in the program include the Kurzweil Reading Machine, the VersaBraille system, Total Talk, and…

This paper describes the use and challenges of microcomputers in guidance and counseling. Following introductory remarks on the technological advancement of computers and their impact, currently available career guidance systems, testing systems (including psychological testing, interviewing, and test preparation), administrative systems, and…

This study explored the levels of anxiety over computer use of high school students based on sex, grade level, and prior computer experience. Subjects were 67 high school students, 38 males and 29 females. The instrument used was a computer anxiety subscale of 10 items from an instrument designed by Loyd and Gressard (1984). The items presented…

This plan describes the educational computing and computer literacy program to be implemented by the schools in Sonoma County, California. Topics covered include the roles, responsibilities, and procedures of the county-wide computer committee; the goals of computer education in the county schools; the results of a needs assessment study; a 3-year…

Delaware County Community College's (DCCC's) course, "Introduction to Microcomputers," was designed to develop the basic level of computer competency necessary to enter the college's microcomputer technology programs. Three manuals were developed for the course: an instructor's manual, a self-paced study guide for students, and a student exercise…

The document is part of the final report on Project STEEL (Special Teacher Education and Evaluation Laboratory) intended to extend the utilization of technology in the training of preservice special education teachers. This volume focuses on the second of four project objectives, the development of a special education teacher computer literacy…

The Houston (Texas) Independent School District established a Department of Technology to encourage the use of educational technology, especially computers, in district schools. Obstacles included claims to "turf," rapid technological change, and the lack of trained management, clear policies, and sufficient staff incentives. The…

These two reports contain supporting material intended to accompany the Computer Literacy Acts of 1983 and 1984 (H. R. 3750). This bill was designed to promote the use of computer technologies in elementary and secondary schools by authorizing: (1) grants to local school districts, particularly in poor areas, to purchase computer hardware; (2)…

A study examined the attitudes of employers from 10 firms in northwest Arkansas toward changing from a traditional office to an electronic one. Even though the 10 employers represented 7 different categories of industry (construction, manufacturing, transportation and public utilities, wholesale and retail trade, finance and real estate, services,…

An instrument to measure the computer literacy of science teachers in grades K-12 is being developed. This instrument, the Test of Computer Literacy for Science Teachers (TCLST), is part of ENLIST Micros (a project to develop a curriculum for training science teachers to use computers). The instrument, based on essential competencies for computer…

Education courses in BASIC remain a foundation of teacher training for computer use. Such courses do little more than re-invent programming structures that are already available in such educational programming languages (EPLs) as PILOT and TEACH. While BASIC is the only general programming language that is both simple and powerful enough to enable…