Describes attributes of a good computer manual: it should clarify the expected expertise of its audience; use common terminology; provide installation instructions and sufficient high-quality "hands-on" tutorial instruction; list common errors and their corrections; contain an adequate index and a quick reference guide; and be pleasant to use.…

Describes the facilities and programs of two major hands-on learning centers for children: the Capitol Children's Museum in Washington, D.C. and Sesame Place in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Computer-oriented activities are emphasized. A table describing several other hands-on learning centers accompanies the text. (JL)

Argues that most school systems in the United States fit into one of the five evolutionary stages of computer use: initial experimentation, state legislative involvement, search for software, initial computer integration, and full integration. These stages are described and tips on how to choose the best computer software are given. (MBR)

Discusses the business of training employees to use microcomputers and describes the cost and several approaches to such training in corporations. These approaches include use of preprogramed tutorials provided by vendors, a minicourse including computer basics and hands-on experience for executives, and computer-assisted instruction for training…

Describes set-up, user characteristics, goals, and successes of neighborhood computer centers where informal microcomputer instruction is presented. Centers described include East Harlem's Playing to Win; Center for the Development of Non-Formal Education in Austin, Texas; a learning center in New York City's business district; and Family…

Discusses the need for researchers to determine what should be tested and how when evaluating educational computing programs, describes efforts of Educational Testing Service's National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to measure the impact of computers on achievement, and concludes that it will not be easy to evaluate computers' effects.…

Describes an innovative, tool-based high school computer literacy course that involves student use of productivity software to learn what computers do in the real world rather than programing. Several student projects, teacher qualifications and responsibilities, and the role of peer teaching are discussed. (MBR)

Reviews the growth of computers in schools throughout North America, the changing attitude towards acceptance of the necessity and desirability for computer literacy and computer science education, and some social implications. Discussion of many practical benefits include pupil control, adaptability to special education, increased motivation, and…

Presents overview of recently developed computer software which is based on an understanding of how learning happens informally in the home and designed to be fun. Programs developed by The Learning Company, Children's Television Workshop, Spinnaker Software, and Capital Children's Museum are highlighted. Producers and distributors of software are…

Discusses fluctuating federal support for education, and the recent renewed interest in education by support of emerging computer technologies via such congressional bills as the Computer Literacy Act and Computer Education Assistance Act. Provisions of several bills, their potential impact, and prognosis for their passage are also discussed. (MBR)