The article argues that even extremely young children can be taught to program microcomputers from their very first contact. A teaching strategy is proposed, having more in common with the teaching of language than with the more traditional didactic-reinforcement cycle commonly employed in the text books. (Author/CL)

More districts are turning to one-to-one computing, which puts a laptop in the hands of every student. This ambitious undertaking can bring challenges when it comes to training teachers how to use the technology--and how to teach students to use it. In 2005, Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Oregon, provided Apple laptops for 300 middle…

Written in simple language and designed in a large-print format, this short guide is aimed at teaching home economics teachers to use computers in their classrooms. The guide is organized in six sections. The first section covers the basics of computer equipment and explains how computers work while the second section outlines how to use…

Argues that most school systems in the United States fit into one of the five evolutionary stages of computer use: initial experimentation, state legislative involvement, search for software, initial computer integration, and full integration. These stages are described and tips on how to choose the best computer software are given. (MBR)

The author examines ways in which microcomputers can be used with gifted students, addressing the following topics: hardware, educational software, computer literacy, the computer as research tool, the computer and creativity, programing, and computers and the very young. (CL)

Defines "batch files," claiming that they can shorten many complicated computer procedures. Describes how batch file was created using the computer program "PC-Write" to streamline the process of creating a work disk and increase students' computer literacy. Lists and discusses each element in the file. Provides references for…

Highlights the major differences between software training and reference materials, examines the key features that should be present in both if they are to be effective, and presents a checklist for use in evaluating the documentation that accompanies microcomputer software. (MBR)

In April of 1984 the Aroostook (Maine) Computer Educators, in conjunction with the University of Maine at Presque Isle, conducted a computer programming contest for county students in grades 4-12. This document describes the structure of that contest, including grade level groupings (4-6, 7-9, and 10-12); rules for team membership; the schedule…

Suggests educators who are not yet computer literate choose an alternative focus by learning to evaluate software and determine its potential for use in specific educational settings. Questions which should be asked when reviewing software on appropriate use, content, and characteristics are presented, along with a software evaluation checklist…

The section includes four articles on the use of computers for gifted students. Topics covered include basic information for parents, care and operating routines, a curriculum guide for computer literacy, the computer's role in problem solving, and computer applications for mathematically gifted students. (CL)

Briefly describes a multimedia resource package entitled Microcomputers in Education, which is designed to facilitate and enhance the quality of inservice teacher training programs on computer literacy. Teachers' opinions of the package, elicited after its use at an inservice workshop, are summarized. (MBR)

This paper suggests activities for school administrators to learn basic technology tools. Step-by-step instructions are provided for browsing and using the Internet, organizing favorite World Wide Web sites, and organizing Internet bookmarks. Interesting job search, legal, and professional organization Web sites for administrators are listed. A…

This guide discusses three critical steps in selecting microcomputer software and hardware: setting the context, software evaluation, and managing microcomputer use. Specific topics addressed include: (1) conducting an informal task analysis to determine how the potential user's time is spent; (2) identifying tasks amenable to computerization and…

In an interview, Sherry Turkle (author of "The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit") discusses the development of personal styles developed by individuals using computers. She stresses the importance of having teachers familiar and comfortable with computers and students having access to computers as tools they use in the…

In evaluating a private school's incorporation of computers into the curriculum the researcher noted that the use of drill-and-practice programs taught students that computers are boring. They did not get any understanding of the varied uses for computers. (MD)