The first volume of a three-volume report on a three-year study of the use of computers in secondary school classrooms, this document reviews the context of the research project: its organization; the basis of the research strategy employed; and the character of the schools, teachers, and students involved. The project was conducted by the education faculty at the University of Western Ontario and carried out in two networked secondary schools. The effects of computer use on classroom teaching and learning and on the structure and presentation of curricular materials were examined. The project also considered how computer practice might maximize learning opportunities and how innovative computer activities can be initiated and sustained. The project was structured to include separate investigations into the effects of computer use in several distinct subject areas, including the use of spreadsheets, and the effects of teachers' use of computers on classroom management. This volume discusses the development of the research goals, objectives, and strategy; gives an account of ministry guidelines and board policies; describes the research sites; and provides biographical sketches of participating teachers. An analysis of a student questionnaire designed to determine the student's backgrounds and computer attitudes is also provided. Twelve figures and 10 data tables display school and student statistics and the layout of the participating schools' facilities. A chronology of research activities, facsimiles of the student questionnaire, and participant consent forms are appended. (Contains 31 references.) (KRN)