This overview of the home market for microcomputers and computer software presents a brief history of the development of the microcomputer and its use in the home. Factors which shape the home market are discussed, e.g., desire for improvement of educational skills, presence of children, previous experience with a computer, and decreasing prices.…

An important concern related to the increase in numbers of home computers is the integration of technology into the family system. This paper defines a theoretical perspective and research strategies from which to assess gender-related perceptions surrounding home computer use. The perspective is drawn from B. Bernstein's (1971, 1973) notions of…

Change in family forms and functions is not necessarily evil or frightening unless one chooses to deify and cling to the past and to insist upon the rightness of by-gone ways. The crisis of American families today is not a crisis of form, or size or function, of governmental interference, economics or energy; it is a crisis of emotions, of…

Summarizes ideas on five main issues presented at the World Conference on Computers in Education held in Norfolk, Virginia, in August 1985: impact of transferring practical information processing to technology; size of devices; information technology costs; computers at home, in public schools, and universities; and information technology's impact…

Desegregation does not appear to be a significant factor promoting learning. Rather, more individual attention to students in the schools and educational support and stimulation at home (irrespective of race or social status) can greatly boost student achievement. (Author/GC)

Proposes changes in commercial television programing on human sexuality that would create a less confusing, more healthy atmosphere for adolescents. They include creating a climate for discussion of contraception, stopping sexual exploitation, illuminating the joys and woes of childrearing, and presenting positive role modeling for family…

This article provides insight, through the author's personal experience, into the life of the chronically ill child. Problems encountered by these children and their families due to inadequacies in the educational system, medical profession, and insurance companies are discussed. (DF)

Describes ways that both parents and teachers can instill a love of reading in children. (FL)

Several major issues related to parent participation are described in the comments of over 1,000 teachers who responded to a survey regarding their practices in the area of parent involvement. Eight issues that may prompt new research in this area are identified. (MP)

Reports on a study of reading and writing practices within a community environment. Concludes that literacy has different meanings for members of different groups, with a variety of modes, functions, and uses. Points out that these differences have yet to be taken into account by policymakers. (JMF)

Discusses important aspects of desirable quality of life or well-being of families: household maintenance and work activities (care of house, family, clothing, food preparation, health maintenance, and home management); consumer goods satisfaction; and interaction of household members. Home economics can help families to maintain these critical…

The guidance of the youngster towards appropriate behavioral models is one of the greatest challenges and responsibilities of teachers and parents; children of school age need models yet are unable to discriminate fully among the potential models vying for attention. (CJ)

Family social networks and neighborhoods are suggested as major dimensions of the social environment which facilitate or defer family childrearing processes. These concepts are operationalized by describing the design of a family-oriented early intervention program as an exemplary model of a socio-ecological approach to childhood socialization.…

This article describes three very different family environments that nurtured highly gifted children: the Brontes, George Washington Carver, and a group of contemporary siblings in Wales. All cases illustrate the importance of early stimulating environments, including the dynamic interaction of children with nurturing adults, development of the…