New technologies brought about by the computer are causing writing to take on more and more the features of orality. The computer's emphasis on speed reduces or even eliminates distance, which is one of the key features of orality. Orality is immediate and relies on assumptions, on gaps to be filled in by the auditor. It is also "socially…

Because metaphors offer ready perspectives for comprehending something new, this document examines various metaphors educators might use to help students develop computer literacy. Metaphors described are the computer as person (a complex system worthy of respect), tool (perhaps the most powerful and versatile known to humankind), brain (both…

Early childhood practitioners should evaluate whether or not computers contribute to the growth of their students by considering computers in the planning phase of the educational program. The first approach, computer assisted instruction, includes drill and practice programs, tutorials or programmed instruction, and simulations or games. Computer…

A model syllabus is presented for promoting literacy in information technology for elementary and secondary school teachers. In the syllabus, information technology is defined, and educational implications of new information technology are discussed in terms of the societal context, and teaching and learning. Educational uses of the new…

Designed as a self-teaching tool for those who have had no experience with computers and who are seeking an understanding of the microcomputer, this set of lesson cards teaches the beginner how to write simple computer programs in the BASIC language. The learner is also taught to (1) determine what computers can and cannot do; (2) load a tape or…

This workbook of ideas and activities is designed for use in correlation with the curriculum guide "Elementary Computer Literacy," which contains the answer key and suggestions for use. The Apple II microcomputer is used as an example, but the material is adaptable to other computer models. Varied activities provide practice in drawing,…

This self-instructional manual presents basic information about computers and their capabilities in a series of lessons, each of which contains a list of learner objectives and a series of true-false self-check exercises. The lessons cover: (1) what a computer is and what it can do, and the reasons why computers are used; (2) computer types and…

The meteoric rise of the computer age is a challenge for public educators, many of whom are still unfamiliar with basic computer technology. Yet many educators are finding that they can correct their misconceptions about computers by becoming "computer aware." Computer awareness comes from gaining a knowledge of computer history; a basic…

This paper describes the development of a course to introduce microcomputer application software to non-computer science majors at Kean College (New Jersey). Topics covered include: (1) background; (2) course content; (3) classroom laboratory design, installation, and management; (4) teaching strategies and student performance and reactions. Some…

In order for microcomputers to be used in an efficient and effective manner in the classroom, the computer should not be used in trivial ways, such as utilizing it as an electronic ditto sheet or as a video textbook. Educators must take advantage of the computer's unique capabilities, including its branching capacity, its graphic mode, and its…

There is no one universal definition of the term "computer literacy," which, in fact, is used so generally that people often preface references to microcomputers in education with their own definitions of computer literacy. The term is organized semantically in a variety of ways, and central to this semantic organization is a problem of…

Suitable for children from grades four to seven, this dictionary is designed to introduce children to computer terminology at a level that they will understand and find useful. It is also suitable as a home resource for parents, for library use, and as a handbook for teachers. For each word, the first sentence of the definition contains the kernel…

To determine the effectiveness of using computers to teach problem solving skills to gifted/talented students, 60 elementary students received instruction in either computers, creative problem solving, or the traditional gifted curriculum. One result was that both the computer education and the creative problem solving groups increased in computer…

Hillsdale High School, in San Mateo, California, installed the nation's first 15-computer Macintosh laboratory donated by Apple Computer, Inc. This article describes the lab and the uses to which it has been put, including computer education, word processing, preparation of student publications, and creative writing instruction. (PGD)

Summarizes the results of six studies that examined differences between courses in computer programming and computer literacy, and the relationships between achievement in these courses, student personality traits, cognitive styles, and gender. Suggestions for future research are made. (7 references) (CLB)