Discusses the state of computer use in classrooms and cites several problems. The consideration of computers as "toys," elitist attitudes, administrator/teacher/parent demands, computer manufacture pressure, and lack of a clear definition of computer literacy are addressed. Suggestions for improvement are included. (DH)

Though computer literacy has become a key educational issue of the 1980s, little attention has been paid to adults over the age of 25 who received their formal education Before Computers (B.C.). One-day seminars (developed at the request of the Smithsonian Institution) designed to satisfy this need are described. (JN)

Freshmen at Clarkson College of Technology (Potsdam, NY) will be issued a Zenith microcomputer. Every aspect of Clarkson's curriculum will be redesigned to capitalize on the new computing and word processing power. Students will pay $200/semester and a one-time $200 maintenance fee and will keep the computer when they graduate. (Author/JN)

Computer literacy is now considered a basic skill as important as the Three R's in Florida, where instructors have been given a legislative mandate to ensure it. A leader in this movement shares the written standards that support this mandate and explains how they were developed. (JN)

Discusses how computer literacy objectives were determined for the 269 K-12 Department of Defense Dependent Schools, two years ahead of schedule. Also notes how these student objectives were implemented. (JN)

When a core curriculum degree requirement in computer literacy was approved at Hardin-Simmons University (a small, private institution), a committee of faculty members developed the course specifications. They include a weekly one-hour lecture and a two-hour laboratory to achieve eight educational goals. These goals and the course format are…

Discusses the impact of the computer age on American educational needs and goals, assessing the increasing use of computers and the need for improved software. Considers costs involved in providing more powerful computers to schools and calls for research to clarify knowledge underlying software interaction paradigms. (JM)

Examines many imprecise definitions being given to the term "computer literacy," proposing a universal standard of interpretation which required minimal understanding and ability in programing. The proposed definition focuses on computer structure/operation as well as computer applications and limitations. Differing viewpoints for including…

To help overcome their "computer anxiety," college faculty participants in a computer literacy workshop were allowed to keep a microcomputer at home during the 10 week workshop. Weekly meetings consisted primarily of answering questions, demonstrating new/interesting Atari programs, and discussing potential of the computer as an…

For institutions of higher education in Canada, the use of computer-assisted-instruction is miniscule. Instead, students of the sciences are shown how to program computers while students of the arts are shown how to use computers within their disciplines. Experiences in computing at the University of Waterloo are described. (JN)

Discusses the use of Lotus 1-2-3 to create non-stop graphic displays of simulation models. Describes a simple application of this technique using the distribution resulting from repeated throws of dice. Lists other software used with this technique. Stresses the advantages of this approach in education. (CW)

Summarizes what has been learned, thoughts regarding mistakes that have been made, and recommendations for addressing future questions, regarding the role of computers in the educational process. Reviews the research on computer based instruction. States that findings are inconclusive and often contradicting. Recommends that different evaluation…

Convinced that computer technology could be used to extend (rather than challenge) traditional academic disciplines, a liberal arts college devoted substantial resources to instituting a campus-wide computer literacy program. Major emphasis was given to encouraging participation of non-science faculty and adapting computers to the curriculum. (JN)

A survey of certification offices was conducted to determine what state departments are doing about computer coursework and certification and/or endorsement requirements for teachers and administrators. Results obtained from all 50 states and four United States territories are provided. (JN)

To provide computer literacy training for its elementary and secondary schools, the Indianapolis city-wide school district is midway through a three-year, $10 million project involving the installation of more than 10,000 microcomputers linked by numerous local area networks. This program of coordinated resource sharing is described. (JN)