Discusses five instructional purposes for computers (opportunities for students to become familiar with computers, development of skills with computers, curriculum enhancement, educational reform, and cost-effectiveness), their similarities and differences, and the ways in which each purpose could be evaluated. (Author/IRT)

Discusses a semantic network of computer literacy topics and a computer implementation (ACCOLADE) for the PLATO IV system. ACCOLADE was used by learners as a search tool for accessing knowledge about a particular topic in the computer literacy knowledge space and as a mechanism to reveal the structure of that knowledge space. References are…

Discusses some prominent applications available today for most microcomputer systems, including: teaching computing to all students, the computer as a problem solving tool, games, drill and practice, simulation, and testing. (Author)

Reviews the role of computers, particularly the personal computer, in the learning process, discusses the many ways of using the computer to assist learners, and considers the advantages of personal computers over time-sharing computers. (Author/IRT)

Introductory courses in computer science at colleges and universities have undergone significant changes in 20 years. This article provides an overview of the history of introductory computer science (FORTRAN, ANSI flowchart symbols, BASIC, data processing concepts, and PASCAL) and its future (robotics and C++). (PEN)

Discusses informal education as a form for learning about computers and describes relevant computer competencies on four levels based on empirical project work. Computer learning offered by formal, organized programs and by informal methods via the media are reviewed. Contains 56 references. (Author/LRW)

University of Ulster students undertake mandatory 1-year paid work placements. A survey of those in informatics and math/science/computing indicated they developed skills and a realistic concept of work. A web portal is being developed to provide placement resources for students and faculty. (Contains 17 references.) (SK)

Discusses how the design and implementation of problem-solving tools used in programming instruction are complementary with both the theories of problem-based learning (PBL), including constructivism, and the practices of distributed education environments. Examines how combining PBL, Web-based distributed education, and a problem-solving…

Finds that computer and mathematics avoidance among women is the result of attitudes, expectations, and discrimination. Present-day creative computing relies upon skills not limited to those with a math and science orientation, and should prove a rewarding occupation to women. (DM)

Discussion of relationships between computer anxiety and achievement focuses on a study of students enrolled in a required computer course in an urban university. Topics discussed include the Computer Anxiety Scale; Computer Aptitude, Literacy and Interest Profile; Math Anxiety Rating Scale; and the correlation between high anxiety and low…

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in learning outcomes of students taught computer applications through supervised laboratory instruction versus video simulation. No differences were observed for time required to complete an application, proper use of commands, or retention of the learned application. (Author)

Describes three projects at Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania) that developed novice programming environments based on structure editors: GNOME, MacGNOME and ACSE (Advanced Computing for Science Education). Tracks the evolution of the programming environments and courses, documenting important lessons and discoveries about novice…

Usable responses from 228 of 651 business schools surveyed (almost half accredited by American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business) showed that most have hardware and software available for students, but in many areas computer technology is not integrated into the management curriculum. Nonaccredited schools had slightly higher use of…

Discusses issues concerning women in computer science education, and in the workplace, and sex bias in the computer science curriculum. Concludes that computing environment has not improved for women over last 20 years. Warns that, although number of white males entering college is declining, need for scientists and engineers is not. (NB)

Based on a computer-science course, this article outlines an alternative ordering of programming concepts that aims to develop a reuse habit before other styles of programming are developed. Although the discussion is based on transition from Modula-2 to C++, the issues raised apply to transition from any procedural to any object-oriented…