Summarizes a study which focused on teaching critical thinking skills with computer assisted instruction. Also summarizes a 1980 study in which a microcomputer was used to deliver a version of the program BABELS to college students and a replication of this study with younger students (5th-, 7th-, and 12th-graders). (JN)

Presented is an annotated list of 19 references which focus on issues and concerns related to the implementation of computers in education. The information provided is intended both for classroom teachers and for researchers. (JN)

Presents comparable data on microcomputer ownership and use for schools in different regions of the country and in cities, suburbs, and rural locations; for middle/junior high schools compared to elementary and high schools; and for schools serving White and minority low-income families versus those serving high-income and middle-income families.…

A five-session program was found to be effective in increasing preservice teachers' knowledge about computers and fostering some positive attitudes toward computers and their use in schools. A list of program objectives and a discussion of computer literacy models for teacher training are included. (JN)

Further validated the Konvalina, Stephens, Wileman (KSW) Computer Science Placement Test by administering it to 152 Philippine students. A practical procedure for placing students using the results of the KSW test is also included. This procedure has been successfully applied at the University of Nebraska (Omaha) for over two years. (JN)

Surveyed the entire middle school population of a rural-suburban school district to determine the general attitudes of students toward computers. Findings are reported for differences in general attitudes toward computers between boys and girls, seventh and eighth-graders, and those who had computers and those who did not. (JN)

Provides abstracts of selected papers presented at EdCompCon '84. Topics addressed include: what features educators want in educational software; effects of teaching method on student performance by sex in a computer literacy course; implementation and evaluation of a university microcomputer laboratory; and implementation and evaluation of PLATO…

Correlations derived from this study indicate that undergraduate students' (N=24) and graduate students' (N=18) performance in statistical methods is not strongly influenced by their aptitude in computer science. One implication is that no computer science prerequisite is necessary for courses utilizing statistical packages. (JN)

Results of a study involving 94 preservice elementary teachers suggest the instruction students in such programs should be given to develop computer literacy. A model for computer education which consists of four stages is presented in detail. It is recommended that all preservice elementary teachers go through the first two. (MP)

Examined effects of beginning computer programing instruction, sex, and home computers on the attitudes of fifth-grade students (N=49). Results of this pilot study showed higher attitudes following instruction and no differences between the sexes or between those who had computers and those who did not. (JN)

Thirteen papers were presented at a conference on "The Computer: Extension of the Mind." Abstracts of five of these papers are provided, covering such topic areas as integrating computer history into courses and managing the introduction of computers into Canadian schools. Titles of the remaining eight papers are included. (JN)

Presents a lesson plan format which enables teachers to incorporate simulations into their classroom activities. Particular attention is given to planning for the interactions students should have while engaged with the simulation. Includes cognitive and affective results obtained from trials of the format with elementary/middle school students…

Presents data on how schools have changed the way they obtain microcomputers and how they organize their use by students. Also shows that how schools obtain their microcomputers and who is responsible for implementing them is indicative of which students use them, for what purposes, and with what consequences. (JN)

Discusses: educational needs of today's technological society; educational opportunities made possible by computers and other information technologies; research needed to realize such opportunities (including research on cognitive processes, social issues, use of computers as intellectual tools and tutors, and other areas); educational research…

The Association of Educational Data Systems (AEDS) conference included 102 presentations. Abstracts of seven of these presentations are provided. Topic areas considered include LOGO, teaching probability through a computer game, writing effective computer assisted instructional materials, computer literacy, research on instructional…