Following an overview of acquisition, distribution, maintenance, and support activities from 1981-83, the Dade County (Florida) 1983-84 Education Consolidation Improvement Act (ECIA) Chapter 2 Computer Education Project is described and evaluated. Evaluation is based on success in meeting several project objectives: (1) maintenance of existing…

Reviews current trends in the educational market for microcomputers and software. As of June 1982, about 214,000 microcomputers were installed in schools, with Apple Computer (followed by Radio Shack and others) leading the field. A new federal program virtually eliminating how schools use funds may benefit computer assisted instruction. (JN)

This overview of the role of microcomputers in public education covers the following topics: (1) the growth of microcomputers in schools; (2) the role of professional organizations and federal and state government agencies; (3) patterns of use in the schools, including instruction in computer science, instruction in traditional subject areas, and…

The impact of advanced technology has increased computer usage at all levels as evidenced by the popularity of video games, increased interest on the part of students using computers to enhance learning, and business/school partnerships forming with such companies as Digital Equipment Corporation, International Business Machines, and Tandy/Radio…

The RAND Critical Technologies Institute (CTI) was asked to report on the progress federal agencies have made and the problems encountered in implementing Executive Order 12999, which streamlines the transfer of excess and surplus federal computers to schools and nonprofit organizations. This documented briefing presents the findings from that…

Education Consolidation Improvement Act (ECIA) Chapter 2 funds have been used in the Dade County, Florida, computer education program since 1982, primarily for the acquisition and support of computer stations and related hardware for the schools. Objectives for the 1984-85 school year were: continued development of a computer information system,…

This report describes the 3 years of operation of the Special Education Software Center (Menlo Park, California), implemented with federal funding by SRI International, LINC Resources Inc., and the Council for Exceptional Children. The report describes activities of the Center and portrays, from the patterns of information requests received by the…

Central to this collection of nine papers is the unifying theme of excellence and quality in the American educational system with emphasis on the role of educational technology. Although each paper addresses a different audience, the content of each is similar with respect to the U.S. Department of Education's role in providing funds for such…

This paper describes the approach taken by the Office of Compensatory Education of the Michigan Department of Education to provide microcomputer training to Chapter 1 administrators. It reports on the two objectives of the study to evaluate the effects of the training program: (1) to assess the short term effects of teaching administrators to use…

Pointing out a serious decline in the educational attainment of the nation's youth, this discussion of ways in which technology can begin to renew and improve education in American schools argues that, just as cable television and computer teleconferencing opened communication capabilities, the microcomputer presents unlimited possibilities for…

Pointing out the dilemmas facing educators today in preparing people for the future, this paper discusses the supply and demand nature of the job market and the growing need for better educational opportunities, and describes opportunities provided by the concept of the newly founded Electronic University. The importance of research is emphasized,…

An increased proportion of Chapter 1 budgets across the country have been directed to the purchase of microcomputer hardware and software. A major reason for this expenditure has been the promise of better instruction, or at least more instruction for Chapter 1 students, without additional staff resources. Although evidence for instructional…

Reviews current educational uses of computers, including elementary and secondary schools; teacher training; industry and publishers; higher education; and the home. State and federal contributions are discussed, as well as several current federally sponsored projects and federal policy. Computers and the larger social context are also discussed.…

Pointing out the current need for emphasis on academic achievement and excellence, this paper discusses challenges faced by educators in seeking to make the best use of advanced technologies to prepare students for life in the information society. The three major goals of education are identified as preparing individuals with the computer skills…

Based on the results of informal surveys conducted by each of four Technical Assistance Centers and several surveys and studies addressing the availability and use of computers and microcomputers in education, this paper examines the accessibility of computer technology to disadvantaged students in Chapter 1-assisted instructional programs. A…