Provides an introductory overview of articles included in this journal issue, which is devoted to the topic of microcomputers and children. (MP)

In 1982, Minneapolis Public Schools adopted a plan to provide students with equal access to excellent educational programs within a racially integrated school environment. Describes the role computers, software, and scanners play in Minneapolis' instructional management system, and the planning process was used to make computer-managed instruction…

The effectiveness of the instructional use of computers as measured by student achievement is examined. Attention is given to the following issues: (1) attributes that may make computer instruction applicable to students with mild learning problems; (2) problems and limitations of computer instruction; and (3) future potential and needs of…

The implicit power of modern communications technologies to improve citizenship education is explored in this paper. The relationship between the use of educational technology and the effectiveness of social studies instruction are only beginning to be studied, and these inquiries have been focused more upon the "harder" science…

This bibliography of materials concerning microcomputer use in education, emphasizing second language learning, has three sections: an annotated selected bibliography, an unannotated bibliography, and a resource guide. The annotated section consists of 69 entries of reports and journal articles, organized alphabetically by year of publication…

This paper underlines the need for training teacher educators and developing readiness that will enable them to adapt the benefits of information technology for use in teacher education and related research. Information technology and its challenges for teacher education are examined, as far as the student is concerned, from two points of view:…

The application of technology in special education assessment is reviewed, implications for complying with requirements of P.L. 94-142 are noted, and cautions offered for adapting existing assessment instruments to the microcomputer. (CL)

Responses from 254 of 479 secondary agricultural teachers found that (1) microcomputers were used more for planning/administration than instruction; (2) video recorders were the most used technology; (3) barriers were lack of funds, expertise, and support materials; and (4) lack of interest in modems showed that telecommunications has yet to be…

Presents highlights from the "Wingspread Conference on Microcomputers in Education," held to evaluate the role of microcomputers in instruction and to develop guidelines for the introduction and use of this new technology in the elementary and middle grades. (Author/MLF)

This paper addresses the potential influence of current and projected microcomputer technological advances on the profession of school psychology. An overview of the uses and abuses of computers in school psychology is presented, followed by a brief discussion of three general uses of computers in school psychology: the computer as tool, tutor,…

Intended for policymakers, this brief addresses issues related to computer technology and its contributions to special education. Trends are noted and three types of applications are considered: computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, and computer support activities. Descriptions of several computer applications in local and…

This paper explores the role of computerized simulations as a decision-modeling intervention strategy, and views the strategy's different attribute biases based upon the varying primary missions of instruction versus application. The common goals associated with computer simulations as a training technique are discussed and compared with goals of…

The introduction to the special section on microcomputers in special education reviews the trend toward increasing computer use, raises such issues as the need for special educators to provide leadership in the use of computers for individualized instruction, and summarizes remaining articles in the section. (DB)

Distance education is characterized, and its trends are discussed. Computer assisted tutoring, audiocassettes, videodiscs/videocassettes, and microcomputers are analyzed in terms of their interactive characteristics and their role in bettering independent study. Ten references are listed. (Author/MBR)

There are now plenty of adult education classes on how to use a computer; this article is an account of how microcomputers were actually used as an aid to learning in the biological, natural, and social sciences. (Author/SSH)