Many issues were raised in the course of developing a process for evaluating the computer-supported instructional system in mathematics implemented in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. This document discusses a representative selection of these issues, addressing individually each of the three major components of the instructional…

Literature on the use of computers in education is vast, but there is a need for more reports from practitioners in the foreign language classroom. Leaders in the foreign language profession must provide in-service opportunities, and foreign language teachers themselves must seek active involvement with computers. Paradoxically, the United States,…

Describes approaches used by two school systems for developing a coordinated systemwide approach to instructional computing. Lists a set of innovative suggestions for school computer use, from kindergarten level through career preparation and teacher training. (TE)

Summarizes the characteristics and special features in a variety of mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer systems; discusses the applicability of each in school instruction; provides information about hardware, instructional capabilities, courses, and curricula available from computer manufacturers/publishers; and discusses future uses and…

Discusses computer-based instructional management systems and explains how they can help meet goals of individualized learning. Hardware and software components are explained, the use of an instructional management system in a middle school is described, system selection considerations are suggested, and teacher benefits are considered. (LRW)

Examines the educational potential of three categories of computer networks--(1) resource sharing networks for sharing expensive peripherals; (2) communication networks for transferring messages between microcomputers; and (3) interactive networks for student collaboration on multiuser tasks. Advantages and disadvantages of networking and the…

Describes the steps needed to develop a computer-managed learning system that is derived from a network-based curriculum such as the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). System components that are described include curriculum mapping, including objectives; lesson outlines; and a framework for evaluating students and instructional…

Discusses the development of computer-managed instruction (CMI) and possible changes for the future. Topics addressed include the management function; the current tutorial method that focuses on verbal learning; a closer relationship to performance and practice; resolving conflicting goals in computer-based training; and the psychology of…

The purpose of this project is to investigate the potential of communication networks using electronic mail, computer conferencing, and electronic databases for education and training at a distance within the Open Univeristy system of Great Britain, although it would be applicable within other contexts. This report discusses (1) the rationale for…

The Prescott (Arizona) Unified School District No. 1 has developed a computer literacy program which reaches from the fourth-grade to the senior high school level. It emphasizes: (1) learning the history of computers; (2) understanding their influence on society; (3) teaching about current and potential uses; and (4) understanding how computers…

Beginning with a brief discussion of the importance of microcomputers in the school, this article explains their most common educational and administrative applications and summarizes the major activities of the College of Education at Arizona State University regarding microcomputers in education. The author outlines how microcomputers can be…

Over a 15-year period the use of computer technology in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools increased dramatically, expanding from a small operation supporting the finance department to a full system with applications in all aspects of administration at the central office and local school levels as well as in instruction. Four of the…

Although three curriculum-delivery systems which use terminals to download curriculum software from a super microcomputer offer advantages of individualized instruction over several grade levels with individual student progress reports and updated software, the expense of the initial installation makes it difficult for them to compete with…

Discusses a Houston Independent School District project that investigated the effectiveness of providing computers in computer-student ratios of 1-1, 1-two, or 1-three. Describes curriculum modifications and applications to drill and practice, tutorials, management, simulation, games, computer literacy, programing, and word processing in classroom…

Discussion of integrated learning systems (ILSs) stresses the role of the teacher and the necessity of adequate teacher training for successful implementation. Three implementation patterns are described: (1) using a group computer laboratory; (2) using an independent study laboratory; and (3) a distributed system. Problems with each method are…