Describes a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis Approach for the selection of personal computers that combines the capabilities of Analytic Hierarchy Process and Integer Goal Programing. An example of how decision makers can use this approach to determine what kind of personal computers and how many of each type to purchase is given. (nine…

Discusses the impact of microcomputer use on curriculum and instruction in the Hinsdale school district in Illinois during the first year of use. Data from teachers and administrators were gathered by means of questionnaires and interviews. (JJD)

This paper discusses a method of eliciting parental self-reports about child-rearing behavior. The method, called computer-presented social situations (CPSS), uses vignettes that are presented on computers. Several studies examined: (1) what mothers think about the technique; (2) reliability of data collected by the technique; and (3) validity of…

The results of a study conducted during the period August 1982 to January 1983, this overview of federal agency experiences with microcomputers represents a synthesis of information gathered from interviews with staff of one state and 12 federal agencies, informal discussions, and examination of the available literature, agency documents, and…

This study tested the hypothesis that children bring specifiable expectations to their use of interactive computer programs, and that these expectations will determine, to a large extent, which features of a given program will be motivating to a child. It is also argued that the different genres of interactivity relied upon by software designers…

A study of teachers in the United Kingdom's Open University who used a computer mediated communications system called Cosy in 1988 was conducted to document their experiences with and attitudes toward the system. The results of interviews and analysis of log sheets revealed that: (1) the sample of teachers (n=10) showed a range in usage of the…

This study of 18 high school teachers focuses on personal dimensions of the change process and on teacher concerns about using microcomputers in the classroom. Stages of Concern Questionnaire and interviews were used to design a staff development model consisting of inservice activities that addressed teacher's concerns about computers.…

This document reports results from an exploratory investigation into the adoption and use of microcomputers in the home, which involved interviews with 77 home computer owners, 19 individuals who were in the process of computer adoption, and a small sample of home computer manufacturers and retailers. The first two chapters provide information on…

This study examined similarities and differences among children who regularly use computers at home, including difference in their families and communities. The following characteristics were identified as key factors that might be associated with differences: gender, age, parental computing experiences, number of computers in the home,…

Presents an input-process-output (IPO) model that can facilitate the design and implementation of instructional micro and minicomputer systems in school districts. A national survey of school districts with outstanding computer systems is described, a systems approach to develop the model is explained, and evaluation of the system is discussed.…

Describes study conducted at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) that investigated the adoption of word processing for dissertation writing by doctoral students. Perceived attributes of word processing that affect the adoption or rejection of word processing are examined and their influence on the writing process is discussed.…

This report summarizes a study on the impact of the introduction of microcomputers into the instructional programs of two elementary school districts in suburban Chicago that included an examination of teacher attitudes and feelings related to microcomputers. It describes the districts and the kinds of hardware and software they use and contrasts…

Reports results of a survey of the use of computers in Canadian elementary school classrooms. Questionnaires and interviews were used to determine the availability of hardware and software, teachers' backgrounds, student access to computers, and teachers' perceptions on the role of computer-assisted learning. (LRW)

This paper explores the feasibility of developing a single-user microcomputer-based testing system. Testing literature was surveyed to discover types of test items that might be used in the system and to compile a list of strategies that such a system might use. Potential users were surveyed. Several were interviewed, and a questionnaire was…

Discusses the findings of four studies that examined the use of microcomputers in special education classrooms. Surveys, interviews, and observations were used to discover software currently in use with handicapped learners, the instructional design limitations of software, and the potential impact of computer-assisted instruction on handicapped…