This monograph deals with normative ethics, or the application of ethical principles in judging the rightness or wrongness of actions. Specifically, the monograph addresses normative ethics in the use of automated systems in the field and practice of counseling and guidance. It is noted that the immense growth planned for computer applications in…

This document contains over 60 masters for creating overhead transparencies providing information on the Pennsylvania State University system and, in particular, the resources available for academic computing. The masters are presented in six categories: (1) Penn State; (2) Computer and Information Systems; (3) Center for Academic Computing; (4)…

Needs for academic computing services on the West Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University are assessed in this report, which presents data collected by a survey of department chairpersons in five areas: (1) campus-wide needs; (2) general trend in the use of academic computing services; (3) level of need being met; (4) needs for each school or…

This issue of "Focus" includes nine essays addressing various concerns related to curriculum, theory, research, teaching strategies, student and faculty issues, and other matters pertinent to the Utah community colleges. The issue contains: (1) "Comment: Making Quality 'Job One' in the Community College," by Don A. Carpenter;…

A computerized curriculum monitoring system (CMS) was developed at Shelby State Community College (SSCC) in Tennessee to restrict student registration to courses for which they have completed the prerequisites and corequisites. The CMS is a subroutine of the on-line registration program, which matches students' course selections against their…

While there is a genuine hope among some educators that computer use will radically restructure the process of education, and fear from others that it may very well succeed in doing so, it is unlikely that such aspirations or fears should be held for early childhood education at this time. Nor does it seem likely that the situation will change…

To investigate sex-stereotyping associated with computer use, a study was made of effects of gender and age on preschool children's involvement with computers during a school period allowing children to choose from among five alternative activities. A group of 16 boys and 16 girls was divided by age, with the resulting categories consisting of 17…

A pilot study explored how to teach students to write thoughtfully, and also how to teach computers to recognize and interpret the kinds of thinking that appear in such writings. First, a taxonomy of mental processes was found, next the linguistic expressions (clues) that indicate the processes were hypothesized, and then a professionally-written…

This study explores the influence of personal values in problem-solving processes used by elementary school principals responding to the introduction of computers to their schools. Hodgkinson's values hierarchy was used to define actions that more rational frameworks might dismiss or explain inadequately. The hierarchy included three types of…

The first of three parts of this booklet, which assumes no previous knowledge of computers or programming, explains what computers are and briefly describes the components of a computer system. The second section examines the different ways in which the computer can be used in higher education, including its use: (1) as a "super calculator"; (2)…

Describes the creation of a comprehensive, research-based model of concepts and practices to guide planning and implementation of micro- and mini-computer systems in school districts. The model's strategic planning activities are summarized, along with general observations and future implications of the research involved. (MLH)

Refutes Seymour Papert's premises because they: (1) maintain that computer criticism goes through developmental stages; (2) overlook the fact that the computer's newness in education affects the way people speak of computers; and (3) deny the necessity that teaching LOGO, like other pedagogies, should be accountable to experimental research. (PS)

Agrees with Seymour Papert that conventional experimentation has shortcomings when used to study effects of educational programs. Cites three research methods that, in combination, can compensate for the shortcomings of both conventional research and the computer criticism suggested by Papert. (PS)

The Department of Physical Education and Human Movement Studies uses a course specifically aimed at applying software to the study of physical education. Students can learn how different software may assist in completing tasks related to their research, teaching, and writing. The course is described. (MT)

Selection of administrative software requires analyzing present needs and, to meet future needs, choosing software that will function with a more powerful computer system. Other important factors to include are a professional system demonstration, maintenance and training, and financial considerations that allow leasing or renting alternatives.…