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)

Introduction of an Apple II Plus microcomputer in the Children's Room of the Madison (Wisconsin) Public Library is described and analyzed, noting project goals, computer software, copyright issue, logistics, microcomputer users, and internal use. Lists of computer software and recent books for children about computers and computing are appended.…

The services of ComputerTown, a nonprofit computer literacy project of the People's Computer Company in Menlo Park, California with 150 worldwide affiliates, are enumerated including getting started, funding sources, selecting hardware, software selection, support materials, administrative details, special offerings (classes, events), and common…

This overview of the home market for microcomputers and computer software presents a brief history of the development of the microcomputer and its use in the home. Factors which shape the home market are discussed, e.g., desire for improvement of educational skills, presence of children, previous experience with a computer, and decreasing prices.…

Discusses the use of computers by children, highlighting a definition of computer literacy, computer education in schools, computer software, microcomputers, programming languages, and public library involvement. Seven references and a 40-item bibliography are included. (EJS)

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…

Public libraries have vital role to play in introducing computer technology through provision of equipment, programs, and elementary instruction to users of all ages. Creative and resourceful approaches to budgeting and establishing policies and procedures will be required. Canadian public libraries (Oakville, Etobicoke, Aurora, Toronto) provide…

In this interview, Donald L. Bitzer, the inventor of the PLATO instructional software system, speculates on the ways in which the computer will affect human society in the near future, with special emphasis on the impact of computers on the labor force, on education, and on family life. (Author/JL)

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…

This second edition of the "Parent's Guide to the Internet" is intended to help parents--regardless of their level of technological know-how--make use of the online world as an important educational tool. This booklet provides parents with basic information about how to use the computer to find information and communicate with others. It describes…