Discusses the state of computer use in classrooms and cites several problems. The consideration of computers as "toys," elitist attitudes, administrator/teacher/parent demands, computer manufacture pressure, and lack of a clear definition of computer literacy are addressed. Suggestions for improvement are included. (DH)

Written in simple language and designed in a large-print format, this short guide is aimed at teaching home economics teachers to use computers in their classrooms. The guide is organized in six sections. The first section covers the basics of computer equipment and explains how computers work while the second section outlines how to use…

There is no one universal definition of the term "computer literacy," which, in fact, is used so generally that people often preface references to microcomputers in education with their own definitions of computer literacy. The term is organized semantically in a variety of ways, and central to this semantic organization is a problem of…

Suitable for children from grades four to seven, this dictionary is designed to introduce children to computer terminology at a level that they will understand and find useful. It is also suitable as a home resource for parents, for library use, and as a handbook for teachers. For each word, the first sentence of the definition contains the kernel…

The purpose of this focused newsletter is to give teachers who know little or nothing of computers some background on which to base further investigation and decisions. It begins by explaining what a computer is and defining such terms as software, hardware, memory, input/output devices, and disk drive. The newsletter then outlines four major uses…

Focusing on use of the computer as an object of instruction, this paper provides a rationale for teaching computer literacy and explores a variety of definitions for the term. Also discussed are various curriculum approaches that are being developed to teach computer literacy content, which include teaching the content in a separate course and the…

As a basis for developing guidelines for educational courseware development and for teacher education in the instructional uses of microcomputers, this study was planned to examine relationships among 60 successful computer-using teachers' attitudes toward computers, their knowledge of the subject matter taught, and their uses of microcomputers…

This brief, non-technical narrative for teachers addresses the following questions: (1) What are computers? (2) How do they work? (3) What can they do? (4) Why should we care? (5) What do they have to do with reading instruction? and (6) What is the future of computers for teachers and students? Specific topics discussed include the development of…

Describes a computing course which emphasizes practical applications of computers in the various disciplines of the humanities and social sciences; provides details of the course and its objectives; and presents recommendations based on experiences in offering the course for several years for professors wishing to institute such a course. (MBR)

Discusses some of the complexities that educators must address if the potential of educational technology is to be realized. Topics include computers as tools; technology as a curriculum revitalization catalyst; teacher and administrator training; microcomputer limitations; computer literacy definition; computer education program evaluation;…

Defines computer literacy and describes a computer literacy course which stresses ethics, hardware, and disk operating systems throughout. Core units on keyboarding, word processing, graphics, database management, problem solving, algorithmic thinking, and programing are outlined, together with additional units on spreadsheets, simulations,…

Examination of computer literacy debate presents arguments by Leuhrmann, who advocates teaching computer literacy in one course rather than across the curriculum; six definitions from educators; and results of a survey of 10 state education agencies on recent state involvement in implementation of computer literacy programs. (MBR)