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)

Suggests educators who are not yet computer literate choose an alternative focus by learning to evaluate software and determine its potential for use in specific educational settings. Questions which should be asked when reviewing software on appropriate use, content, and characteristics are presented, along with a software evaluation checklist…

Designed to help the classroom teacher choose materials and activities for students in implementing computer literacy, this guide provides a complete statement of behavioral objectives for the program in a taxonomy of objectives, and performance expectations are specified to provide both standards and evaluation guidelines. The grade level entry…

The purpose of this focused newsletter is to give teachers who know little or nothing of computers some background on which to base further investigation and decisions. It begins by explaining what a computer is and defining such terms as software, hardware, memory, input/output devices, and disk drive. The newsletter then outlines four major uses…

Arranged in six sections, this booklet provides teachers and administrators with basic information and resources on the educational uses of the microcomputer. Section 1 uses a question and answer format to address concerns teachers frequently have about the effects of computer education on their teaching. Questions covered include effects on…

Intended to assist school districts in designing high school credit courses, preparing staff development activities related to computer utilization, and selecting and evaluating instructional software, this document offers outlines for the following student courses: (1) Introduction to Computers, a computer literacy course covering computer…

This book is directed to any educator who is interested in the use of the computer to improve classroom instruction. It is a book about the materials, human factors, and decision-making procedures that make up the instructional application of computers. This document's single goal is to promote educators' thoughtful selection and use of both…

Resources and recommendations are presented to aid teachers in using microcomputers for instructional purposes. Sections in this guide include: (1) an overview of what a computer is and how it works; (2) recommendations for microcomputer care and operation; (3) guidelines for teacher training including who should be trained, the type and amount of…

The seven sections in this volume analyze ways to strengthen the educational impact of microcomputers in the schools and to maximize their potential as important learning and instruction tools. The following papers are included: (1) "Human Cognition and the Use of New Technologies" (Richard Mayer); (2) "Don't Bother Me with…

This study conducted at Texas A&M University compares two types of training approaches using ERIC SilverPlatter (ERIC SP). Education students received either: (1) a one hour training session on basic search commands and strategies, or (2) a four page instructional handout that described basic search commands, Boolean logic, and special…

Checklists cover six important dimensions of computer use in social studies: (1) what a computer can do to achieve educational goals, (2) planning for implementation, (3) major modes of computer uses in education, (4) important qualities, (5) technical features of good educational computer programs, and (6) checking out software. (RM)

The paper focuses on questions related to the use of microcomputer software in the social studies classroom. The most commonly used microcomputer instructional techniques are presented, including drill and practice, tutorial, inquiry learning, educational games, real world simulations, models, use of graphics, and creative writing. The paper…

Designed to put educators in touch with the literature, people, and resources that will keep them informed of the current and future state of the art in computer education, this guide provides citations from 1976 through March 1982 compiled from computer searches of ERIC, Magazine Index, and Newspaper Index, and from manual searches of Education…

Presents procedures for a needs assessment where the instructional situation is identified and instructionally oriented needs are expressed through an instructional requirements matrix, as well as a description of the capabilities of microcomputers and their relationship to various instructional activities. A survey of microcomputers and their…

This report presents findings and recommendations of an investigation that surveyed and evaluated the current educational situation in South Africa and offered recommendations on the use of computers in education and training. The following concerns are discussed: computers in formal and nonformal education; strategies for the introduction of…