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…

This digest summarizes diverse viewpoints in the controversy over the meaning and practice of "computer literacy." The issue of whether being able to read and write computer programs should be a a computer literacy requirement for teachers is specifically addressed. Attempts to define computer literacy goals for teachers are noted,…

This bulletin focuses on the role of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in environmental education programs. The utility of this approach in helping students learn in the cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains is examined and its effectiveness is compared to other instructional devices and methods. Major topics are organized and…

Over 30 books, articles, and reports published between 1981 and 1983 and cited in "Resources in Education" and "Current Index to Journals in Education" are listed in this bibliography for those introducing computers into the classroom and for curriculum development using microcomputers. Entries are arranged according to the…

Definitions of computer literacy, educational planning concerns, topics for a computer literacy course, computer literacy for teachers, and a community computer literacy project are addressed in this review of literature. Although no agreement exists among computer experts about what computer literacy is or should be, it is apparent that a…

In four chapters, this research report on computers in education examines computer hardware (the machinery) and software (or courseware, programmed instructions that tell the hardware what to do), classroom uses of computers, ways of bringing computers into the schools, and four districts that have successfully introduced computers into their…

This annotated bibliography lists 12 items in the ERIC system that concern various applications of microcomputers in educational management. The literature here annotated examines the development of management information systems, papers on administrative computing presented at the 1982 Association for Educational Data Systems conference,…

Computers have not revolutionized social studies curricula because so few teachers use them. But research does indicate that computers are flexible instructional tools that can assist in the development of attitudes, intellectual motivation, and inquiry skills. Social studies educators need to consider expanded computer use in their classrooms…

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 for use by educators and school media specialists, this resource guide identifies some of the major sources of information dealing with the use of microcomputers for instructional purposes in elementary and secondary education. It is also intended to serve as an ongoing guide to the location of up-to-date microcomputer information for…

This Digest reviews ERIC documents and journal articles on the roles currently being played by two-year college learning resources centers (LRCs) in instruction and instructional development. After acknowledging that community college students have different needs for bibliographic instruction than their counterparts at four-year institutions, the…

This document contains six major presentations from the 1984 summer workshop, "The C3 Experience: Counseling, Computers, and Creative Change," sponsored by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Counseling and Personnel Services. The first presentation, "Exponential Counseling: Computers as a Multiplier" by JoAnn Harris-Bowlsbey, reviews…

This digest briefly reviews some of the current findings from research on microcomputers which seem most pertinent to teachers in elementary and secondary schools. Summaries are presented of findings related to: (1) status surveys; (2) computer literacy and mathematics instruction; (3) effects of teaching computer programing; (4) tutorial computer…

The purpose of this book is to help teachers feel at ease with microcomputers so that they will begin to think of computers as tools that they themselves might use. There are four chapters. The first chapter provides basic information to help a user understand the computer. Discussed are how the computer is put together and how it works. To help…

Directed primarily toward small school administrators and school boards, this publication describes a consortium of five rural school districts in central Missouri and how they used a traveling teacher to facilitate incorporation of microcomputer capabilities into the school systems' operation and curriculum. The paper describes the use of the…