Discusses three options for elementary or secondary schools buying microcomputers, including getting either a single comprehensive unit, several fully expandable units, or units with limited expandability. Notes advantages, disadvantages, and brand-name models available under each option. Presents a chart showing the features needed for six…

The criteria used by the University of Delaware in selecting the PLATO computer-based educational system are discussed in this document. Consideration was given to support for instructional strategies, requirements of the student learning station, features for instructors and authors of instructional materials, general operational characteristics,…

Twelve publications already in the ERIC system that deal with microcomputers were selected for annotation. Two of the publications are conference proceedings that explore the use of computers. Another two are administrator handbooks dealing with the acquisition and the use of computers. Reference works cited include a guide for instructional…

The use of computers for both administrative and/or instructional activities in secondary schools is increasing. In acquiring, maintaining, and expanding computer resources, decisions must be made regarding both products and services. This report identifies the issues and concerns related to procurement policy decisions, and guidelines are given…

School districts of all sizes can begin to use computers in their schools by outlining objectives, securing community support, planning for one microcomputer for every 20 students, and evaluating computers and software. (MLF)

Three categories of legal issues generated by computers on campus are examined: copyrights on programs developed by students, faculty, or staff; contracts in purchasing computers and torts concerning wrongful use; and the expectation that schools will respond to legal/ethical issues differently than commercial organizations. Suggestions for…

A number of microcomputer system characteristics are discussed and recommendations made that will help the educator in selecting a system. (MP)

Designed to provide information on educational computing to elementary and secondary school educators, particularly those in South Australia, this publication is produced once each term. The Term 1 issue includes the following articles: a description of Information Technology Month (July 1984) activities in South Australia; "Software Piracy…

The study reports on a nationwide survey that investigated the specific planning steps and procedures used by colleges and universities in implementing microcomputer instruction into their teacher education curriculum. The findings presented are based on 101 usable responses to a 55-item questionnaire mailed to five major college and university…

This survey describes the range of computer technology that the Great City Schools are now using for administrative and instructional purposes. The report looks at how city school systems are now planning to install computers; how they are managing the planning, the purchasing, and evaluation of equipment; what equipment is actually being…

Local area networks (LAN) are privately owned communication systems that connect multivendor devices at high speed. As microcomputers become more common in schools, user interest in sharing information, software, and peripherals will increase. A basic understanding of the operation of all LAN's can be gained by knowing four elements: media,…

The microcomputer has five basic applications in marketing education--a remedial/tutorial application, instructional purposes, simulation, the project data base, and classroom management. Examples of word processing applications of a microcomputer are updating annual training plans and producing letters to advisory committee members, parents, and…

Designed to help school districts move from exploring the use of computers in the classroom to the comprehensive planning and development of computer education programs, this guide is organized around five steps essential to the process of developing a district program. Phase 1 includes the following preliminary activities involved in planning for…