A brief discussion of why it is important for students to be familiar with computers and their functions and a list of some practical applications introduce this two-part paper. Focusing on how the computer works, the first part explains the various components of the computer, different kinds of memory storage devices, disk operating systems, and…

Traces the evolution of the author's course on Computers in the Humanities from the late 1960s to the present. Suggests new frontiers in computing that will be relevant to humanities education. Concludes that all students need access and orientation to computer possibilities including algorithmic experience, word processing abilities, and database…

One training center overcomes "computerphobia" by using people-oriented trainers working one on one with the computer. People need to learn to be boss of their computers. Recommendations include: giving the computer a "dumb" name, and reading the manual every three months. (MD)

This course of study was designed to provide an instructional staff with a systematic plan of instruction to develop computer literacy. The introductory statements include the position that females as well as males must be encouraged to work with computers. Ten computer literacy goals are listed, followed by the scope and sequence section in which…

This installment of the series presents computer-oriented activities in computer awareness and programming for students in grades seven to nine who have been introduced to BASIC programming skills. Included are writing programs to solve algorithms, simulating an event, or producing graphics and sound. (EJS)

Discusses the second session of a Vassar College workshop on computers and the humanities which focused on how to teach computing to humanists. Arguing for a holistic approach, the author outlines the material to be taught and how to teach it. Emphasizes ample hands-on training, and instruction in general computer principles not the specifics of…

Presents computer-oriented activities in computer awareness and programing for students in grades 10-12. Intended for use by teachers of all disciplines, activities include such topics as prediction, interpretation and generalization of data, computer systems, PASCAL and PILOT programing, sampling techniques, computer survival, invasion of…

Discusses a Vassar College workshop and the debate it generated over the depth and breadth of computer knowledge needed by humanities students. Describes two positions: the "Holistic View," which emphasizes the understanding of the formal methods of computer implementation; and the "Expert Users View," which sees the humanist…

This self-instructional manual presents basic information about computers and their capabilities in a series of lessons, each of which contains a list of learner objectives and a series of true-false self-check exercises. The lessons cover: (1) what a computer is and what it can do, and the reasons why computers are used; (2) computer types and…

Describes several different metaphors to help educators develop constructive approaches to understanding computer applications for teaching and learning. These include the computer as person, tool, brain, map, glass box, vitamin, palette, mentor, and catalyst. Computer-as-palette, for example, considers computer use in facilitating human…

Describes the development of the Computer Tutor project in Palo Alto, California, a computer literacy pilot program in which tutors are used to teach high school students and other interested persons computer programing. (JJD)

The nature of computer instruction that emphasizes student programing in elementary school settings is detailed. Several reasons for the approach taken are given and constraints that those who want to start elementary computer programs must deal with are noted. The receptiveness of girls to computers in elementary grades is noted. (MP)

This 5-section report summarizes the results of a project concerned with how novices learn to become creative educational computer users. Based on a cognitive analysis of elementary programming statements in BASIC and calculator language into conceptual units, the project builds on previous research on learning BASIC programming. A general…

The first of three parts of this booklet, which assumes no previous knowledge of computers or programming, explains what computers are and briefly describes the components of a computer system. The second section examines the different ways in which the computer can be used in higher education, including its use: (1) as a "super calculator"; (2)…

These curriculum materials are designed for teachers of students in grades six through nine to use to teach general computer literacy and rudimentary programming in BASIC. Sections on history, what microcomputers can do, and computer anatomy have been written so they can be copied and placed in the hands of the students in the intended audience,…