This document is one of eight reports prepared to support the development of a new learning system, a development effort that is the first step in a major initiative undertaken by the Stupski Foundation. The Foundation endeavors to improve the life options of all students, especially underserved urban youth of color by fundamentally redesigning…

There is a large variety of public domain software, which is free for anyone to copy and use with their personal computer, including educational programs for disabled persons. Examples of public domain software are listed along with guidelines for obtaining programs, including the addresses of several computer users' groups. (CB)

Current literature supports the idea of teacher created websites for parental involvement; however, it does not provide adequate guidelines for determining formal content of a teacher website. While potential benefits are often suggested, specific guidelines appear infrequently. This study sought to address some of the shortcomings in the…

One of nine brief guides on using computer technology, this guide is directed to parents of children with disabilities and provides an overview of computer use with handicapped children and suggestions for ways parents can learn more about the potential of technology to aid their children. Instructional software for classroom or home use generally…

To help parents select educational software that will supplement their child's schoolwork, purchasing guidelines are suggested. Two books for further reading are recommended. (JL)

Appropriate ways to use computers in elementary schools are discussed, as are inappropriate uses. Ways parents have assisted educators in thinking about how computers are used are presented as examples. (MT)

Discusses how parents can harness computer power to help children learn. Suggestions include: bookmark homework helpers on the Internet, take advantage of playtime to reinforce learning, create a monthly calendar, create a tidy work computer directory system, take advantage of parental progress reports built into software products, outline…

COMPUPLAY, a program of the National Lekotek Center (Illinois) for handicapped children (ages 2-14) emphasizes the value of parent/child play activities using computers and provides computer support and resources to parents and professionals. (DB)

Most educators, parents, and policymakers think of "online learning" as a subset of distance learning (where the students and teacher are geographically separate), in which content delivery and communication are achieved primarily through the use of computers connected by the Internet. However, online learning can be either distance…

The National Special Education Alliance (a national network of local computer resource centers associated with Apple Computer, Inc.) consists, one year after formation, of 24 non-profit support centers staffed largely by volunteers. The NSEA now reaches more than 1000 disabled computer users each month and more growth in the future is expected.…

Based on four years of experience teaching computers to 8-12 year olds, media scholar Ellen Seiter offers parents and educators practical advice on what children need to know about the Internet and when they need to know it. "The Internet Playground" argues that, contrary to the promises of technology boosters, teaching with computers is…

Knowing what different kinds of computer equipment can do is the first step in choosing the computer that is right for you. This digest describes a developmental progression of computer capabilities. First the basic three software programs (word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs) are discussed using examples. Next, an explanation of…

The Internet is a valuable educational tool, but it can expose children to danger through discovery of inappropriate materials and experiences. Protection rests on social and educational strategies to teach responsible and safe use coupled with technology, public policy, and law enforcement to shape the environment in which choice is exercised.…

The independent Waterford School in Provo, Utah, opened in September 1981, with the goal of providing, through technology, all children with an excellent education. Additionally, it intended to demonstrate how computers could best be used as part of educational delivery. School administrators have found that computerized instruction is improved by…

In the coming century, the ramifications of computer technology will affect virtually everyone. Teachers and parents can help students reach their full potential by encouraging them to use and apply the computer at home and in school. (JL)