The purpose of this focused newsletter is to give teachers who know little or nothing of computers some background on which to base further investigation and decisions. It begins by explaining what a computer is and defining such terms as software, hardware, memory, input/output devices, and disk drive. The newsletter then outlines four major uses…

This report contains excerpts from papers and summaries of discussions and program actions carried out during a series of seminars held to establish research priorities under the Information Technology and Education Programme (ITE) in the United Kingdom. The seminar on "Information Technology" (IT) included Kenneth Ruthven's…

This section contains two articles summarizing current research involving microcomputers: (1) "Microcomputers: An Educational Alternative" (Dorothy Jo Stevens); and (2) "A Comparison of the Results of Two National Surveys" (Ned Schimizzi). (CJB)

One of a series on the responses by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and others to critical problems in education, this overview addresses a variety of issues related to computer literacy. Topics discussed include the pace of the transition to the computer age, the development of microprocessors, and the computer as fad or revolution.…

The eight articles in this focused journal issue explore the part computer literacy and computer programed instruction can play in the language arts curriculum. Titles of the articles are (1) "Computers in English Instruction: The Dream And The Reality" (James R. Nicholl); (2) "Computer Uses in the Elementary Grades" (Robert Morgan); (3) "Reading…

This review of the literature on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) addresses the following topics: background and scope of CAI; current research on software and learner variables; current research on microcomputers and other delivery systems; meta analyses of the effectiveness of CAI; and methods for evaluating CAI programs. It is concluded that…

The uses of computers in the classroom are discussed, and the implications of these uses in an information-based society are addressed. Three types of computer applications are examined: learning about computers and their relation to society, including computer programming; learning through computers, which includes drill-and-practice, diagnostic…

The uses of computers by colleges and universities are described, and some definitions of computer literacy are proposed. In addition, an essay, "Computing and Higher Education: The Revolution Is Through the Gates," by Robert G. Gillespie briefly considers the efforts colleges are making to explore the potential of the personal computer.…

Projects at liberal arts colleges to help students understand technology, most of which were funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundations' New Liberal Arts Program, are described. Also included are John G. Truxal's essay, "Thoughts on Teaching Technology," which includes an illustration of technological problems/solutions posed by the pacemaker. The…

Three articles discuss the use of computers in education: (1) "References for a Broader Vision" (Henry F. Olds, Jr.); (2) "What Every Teacher Should Know About Computer Simulations" (David Grady); and (3) "The Computer as Palette and Model Builder" (Interview of Alan Kay). (CJ)

This document contains four papers presented at a conference on technological literacy and technology education in Taiwan. The papers are the following: "Technological Literacy: An Engineering Perspective" (Ming H. Land); "Implementation of Technology Education in Japan--(Revised Edition)" (Shoji Murata); "Evaluation of…

This booklet presents evidence to support the idea that distinctions between the instructional and research applications of the computer are becoming blurred. The issue includes contributions from authors who are at the forefront of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) development in their respective fields. An attempt is made to represent most…

This bulletin provides a discussion of the impact of microcomputer technology and functions as a guide for administrators. It examines issues administrators must address if they are to take an active role in implementing computer programs in their schools. Chapter 2 examines hardware evaluation and selection, giving recommendations on types of…

A survey of 71 rural Illinois school psychologists examined the frequency of their professional contacts, their level of computer knowledge, and their access to technology. Results indicate that although rural school psychologists serve an average of 1,620 students, practice in an average of 5.5 schools, and work for 2.2 school districts,…

Designed as an avenue of communication for all mathematics educators concerned with the views, ideas, and experiences pertinent to two-year college teachers and students, this journal presents articles and regular features related to mathematical and pedagogical themes. This issue includes the following articles: (1) "Fractals for Freshmen? Or,…