If computers were used ideally in education, each student would have enough computer time, each computer enough student time, and computer-based activities would be chosen well. The move towards using microcomputers in the schools has less to do with any clear and demonstrable instructional advantage of using them, and more to do with general…

Analyzes national survey data on children's differential access to computers at home and school, noting varying conditions that affect how children experience computers. In 1998, over 75 percent of children had access to computers at school, though computer experiences differed by socioeconomic status. Poorer students had significantly less access…

Considers the motives for schools acquiring computers, three different ways in which computers may be relevant to instruction, and the extent to which they address broadly shared ideals for children's education. Also discusses the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in drills and tutorials and the development of writing skills. (RDN)

This report presents preliminary descriptive data from a national survey of U.S. elementary schools, conducted in 1985, which focused on the schools' instructional uses of computers, including efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Specific topic areas covered include: (1) what hardware is in different types of schools; (2) which teachers use the…

Data from a national survey of microcomputer uses in schools are used to demonstrate differences in access to and uses of computers by students. Factors examined include race, socioeconomic status, sex, achievement, and ability level. Also discussed are inequality and inequity and the need for additional research on computer impact. (RP)

This report summarizes the results of a national survey of U.S. elementary and secondary schools, conducted during the 1982-83 school year, which focused on the schools' instructional use of microcomputers, including use both as a means of instruction and as an object of instruction. Specific topic areas covered include: the number of…