Examines issues related to educational change, discussing both the teacher and the computer as change agents and the student's role in learning. Indicates that one educational goal is to have students become self-reliant and independent learners and that computers can help achieve this goal. (JN)

Discusses the introduction of technological innovations into schools, suggesting that rather than relying on authority-driven initiatives, leaders should initiate change by developing teachers' learning capacities, thus creating environments with widespread commitment. This ensures that the commitment to the initiative is sustained rather than…

Equitable distribution of computer resources is an important concern for school administrators. Computer equity consists of three dimensions: access, participation, and benefits. Access is the number of microcomputers available for student use, or the ratio of students to computers; equity issues arise when access to computers is restricted to…

The results of a 1982 survey indicated that teachers seeking computer literacy were just as unlikely to have had computer experience as were teachers in general, and were even less likely to feel knowledgeable about computers, but were much more likely to come from districts where computer use by teachers received broad institutional support. This…

Addresses from two perspectives the problem of providing opportunities for all students to gain knowledge and skills required to use microcomputers: appropriate microcomputer use in the classroom and curriculum, and its role as an indicator of the nature of public education, a catalyst for educational reform, and an equalizer. (MBR)

This paper reviews research concerning students' and teachers' attitudes toward computers, points out obstacles to computer literacy, and suggests ways to expand it through staff development, planning, and attention to teachers' sensitivities. Factors impeding computer literacy include: (1) diverse computer software and programs; (2) inconsistent…

Discusses teacher objections to use of computer technology in schools as well as its possible effects on children and society. A proposal is presented for national action in regard to use of computer technology in schools which encompasses funding, teacher training, and hardware and software acquisition. (MBR)

Before school systems can fully utilize computers, they go through four invariant stages: (1) getting on the bandwagon, (2) confusion, (3) pulling it all together, and (4) full implementation. At each stage, the six factors of hardware, software, staff development, computer assisted learning, computer literacy, and attitude must be considered.…

Policy analysis is the process by which systematically collected information is provided to decision makers. As an integral part of a specific policy setting process and a comprehensive planned change process, such analyses can provide school administrators with much needed information to guide their decisions concerning district-wide…

This study of the impact of technology on education is an in-depth case study of 25 educational institutions, including both public school districts and colleges and universities. Information was gathered through the use of a lengthy questionnaire and a comprehensive telephone and/or site visit interview. Aspects of the study include the role of…

The introduction of informatics into the national school curriculum in Japan requires changes to educational policy, curricula, methods, facilities, etc. Although the basic functions of the school--i.e., to transmit the culture and to cultivate competencies that will allow a future society to develop--remain unchanged, new technologies change the…

Technological advances and market forces have spawned a microcomputer invasion of the schools, sparking renewed interest and enthusiasm in computers as educational tools. This advent of classroom computers is highly controversial and the question of benefits remains unanswered because of the wide variety of expectations about their educational…

The Hilton Central School District, New York, utilized the collective bargaining process to create a financial incentive that would motivate teachers to achieve a baseline level of technological competency. Describes the negotiated agreement, results obtained during the initial year of implementation, and future plans. (MLF)

Principals and superintendents often make decisions about the purchase and allocation of computer hardware and software without consulting individual teachers; however, teacher participation is necessary for successful implementation of all phases of computer programs. Initially, computer literacy training should be made available to both…

Seymour Papert, who holds the Lego Chair for Learning Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, looks back over a decade during which American schools acquired more than three million computers and assesses progress and resistance to progress. Stories about visionary teachers who have used computers to enrich learning provide a…