This book was written to help classroom teachers, lay persons, and school personnel understand the role of microcomputers in education. It has been especially designed for undergraduate and graduate technology-based education programs. Specific education examples and applications are provided throughout the book and exercises have been designed for students to further explore specific educational understanding or applications. Topics covered include: technological literacy and its effect on education; the microcomputer; computer applications; computer-assisted instruction; the computer as a tool for teachers and students; selection, evaluation, and review criteria for choosing software and hardware; organizing the classroom for computer use; multimedia; a computer literacy curriculum; designing lesson plans for various subject areas and to help implement a technology integrated curriculum; programming as a learning tool; distance learning; the library media center of the future; professional growth; and future implications. Included in the appendices are lists of software directories and resources; computer-related videotapes and films; special education resources; and relevant periodicals. (JLB)