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…

The eight articles in this focused journal issue explore the part computer literacy and computer programed instruction can play in the language arts curriculum. Titles of the articles are (1) "Computers in English Instruction: The Dream And The Reality" (James R. Nicholl); (2) "Computer Uses in the Elementary Grades" (Robert Morgan); (3) "Reading…

A curriculum to enhance computer literacy in grades K-8 is presented, which covers the areas of computer awareness, computer interaction skills, social sciences, language arts, science, and mathematics. Student tasks are outlined with suggested grade levels for skills to be introduced, expanded, and reinforced. (EJS)

This paper examines themes from a cross case analysis of the Buddy System Project, a program that loans students and teachers in selected elementary classes in Indiana a networked home computer and provides schools with additional classroom computers. Qualitative data were collected from 28 homes and 19 classrooms at 4 participating schools. The…

Evaluates reading/language arts, mathematics, general problem-solving, science, social studies, creative arts, foreign languages, computer literacy, and audio-visual author software. Also lists and describes criteria used in the evaluation. (Equipment specifications and sources of software are included.) (JN)

Project DISC (Developing Indian Software Curriculum) was initiated in the Rapid City (South Dakota) school district to improve Native American children's reading and language arts ability and to provide them with microcomputer skills. During the summer of 1982, introductory computer activities were planned, a computer specialist was hired, and…

This two reviews of the literature on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) are intended to provide a general outline of the major issues involved in the use of computers in education. The 1986 review focuses on definitions, computer usage, achievement gains, staff development, and trends, while the 1986-87 update focuses in particular on the…

This booklet presents a comprehensive list of microcomputer software, along with evaluations, that may be beneficial to others seeking assistance in initiating a resource center for computer-assisted instruction. A summary of the project that developed this listing appears first. The software bibliography is arranged according to instructional…

The fifth in a series, this report reviews Apple microcomputer courseware--and some IBM computer courseware--authorized by Alberta Education from June 1985 to March 1986. It provides detailed evaluations of 97 authorized programs in business education (11), business education/math (1), computer literacy (4), computer literacy/math/problem solving…

The sixth in a series, this report reviews microcomputer courseware authorized by the Alberta Department of Education from April 1986 through December 1986. (Although earlier publications in this series were cumulative, this edition and the fifth edition contain only new or revised reports.) This edition provides detailed evaluations of 39…

This report of a 1984 conference on the computer as a teaching tool provides summaries of presentations on the role of the computer in the teaching of science, mathematics, computer literacy, and language arts. Analyses of themes emerging from the conference are then presented under four headings: (1) The Computer and the Curriculum (the computer…

This guide is a selected list of 25 software packages and 15 books about educational computing. It is the first step in guiding librarians, teachers, tutors, and other literacy providers to choose the best and most appropriate software for use by their students and staff. Software is divided by these topics: problem-solving software, tool programs…

Fourth in a series, this cumulative report reviews Apple computer courseware and some IBM courseware (Business and Math sections) authorized by Alberta Education from January 1983 through May 1985. It provides detailed evaluations of 168 authorized titles in business education (17), computer literacy (12), early childhood education (8), language…

Declares the need to train teachers to use computers in reading and language arts and describes a training program used with undergraduate education majors at the State University of New York at Geneseo. (SRT)

The seventh in a series, this report reviews microcomputer software authorized by the Alberta (Canada) Department of Education from January 1987 through December 1987. This edition provides detailed evaluations of 23 authorized programs for teaching business education, mathematics, the sciences, language arts, music, problem solving, and French.…