In this article, the author has advanced the view that the world is currently on the threshold of a new status quo--the hegemony of the image. Yet, this seems a mixed blessing, for people, and especially young people, are not equipped with the necessary critical viewing and thinking skills to survive it. Nevertheless, this unfortunate situation…

Educators can use different metaphors to achieve an initial understanding of computers: the computer-as-person, tool, brain, map, vitamin, palette, educator, and catalyst. We should not ask what computers can do, but rather, what do we want computers to do? (KC)

Computers and humans use similar methods to process information. Advantages of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) include individual instruction, immediate positive reinforcement, high motivation, consistency, and organized instruction. Disadvantages of CAI include inadequate instructional programs, time needed to develop software,…

Through graphic art courses, art teachers can provide students with an understanding of how computers work and how to solve problems with them. How to design a graphics program is discussed. (RM)

Presents case studies of efforts by Nigeria, Morocco, and Argentina to introduce computers in primary and secondary education. Lessons learned from these experiences are discussed and educational needs are identified: program expansion; subtle introduction of microcomputers to teachers; organizational/national literacy campaign; and review of…

Considering what is known about computers, reading strategies, and cognitive theory, there is no doubt that computer technology has the potential to make a difference in schools. However, program development and school site implementation need careful guidance from educators and researchers who are knowledgeable about process research, aware of…

This book, Microcomputer Applications in the Classroom, is said to reflect both the excitement and the problems of the rapid introduction of computers in the schools. Training needs for teacher courses in computer literacy are discussed, and the value of instruction in BASIC programming is questioned. (GDC)

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)

Data collected from 144 school districts in 47 states indicate significant increases during the past 5 years in both administrative and instructional uses of the computer. School systems are also introducing programs in computer literacy for both teachers and students. The following recommendations are made for teacher education in computer use:…

A questionnaire administered in 1986 to 87 graduate students, of whom 97% were currently teaching, elicited data on six aspects of teachers' attitudes toward computers: (1) computer anxiety; (2) instructional use of computers; (3) computer usage and accessibility; (4) use of computers by students; (5) educators' level of computer training and…

A study was conducted to determine how the information highway affects today's children and to develop a set of national children's goals and an action plan for achieving them. The study's methodology included a review of relevant child development and telecommunications literature, identification of model programs, analysis of experiences with…

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…

In order to apply technological advancements to education, educators must devise on-going training programs for teachers and administrators and create a national policy that gives direction and sets priorities for the use of computer technology in the schools. In-service training for teachers should be based on four premises. First, each part of…

By understanding the educational policies of the past, we can avoid the aimless, ephemeral quality of educational programs which are directed to the problems of the moment. The current debate over returning to the basics is blinding us to the need to plan for the future and the computer age. (IS)

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)