Reports on the development of a test designed to measure the perceived characteristics of microcomputers as information innovations, with factors measuring complexity, compatibility, and trialability/observability, but not measuring relative advantage or perceived expense. Finds acceptable levels of reliability and construct validity for the test.…

Describes a feasibility study which investigated the effects of introducing microcomputers in primary school classrooms with teachers having no previous experience with their use. A 10-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

Three aspects to be considered when teaching a one-semester beginning economics statistics course are coverage, mastery, and applications. There is a difference between coverage and mastery. Moreover, mastery is not an end in itself; instructors must consider how statistics courses will influence students' approaches to other subjects and…

Clarifies often misconstrued distinctions with regard to microcomputers, minicomputers, and maxicomputers. Criteria for educational use of microcomputers are examined, including its potential for language and peripheral expansion, and its communication capabilities. (MER)

Defines virtual reality and describes its application to psychomotor skills training. A description of a system that could be used to teach a college course in physical therapy, including the use of miniature computer workstation, sensory gloves, a programmable mannequin, and other existing technology, is provided. (Contains 10 references.) (KRN)

Describes the use of microcomputer-based software in an introductory statistics course at Vanderbilt University. The use of Wingz spreadsheet and Data Desk statistics software is described, objectives for the course are explained, possible objections to computer-assisted instruction for statistics are addressed, and student reactions are reported.…

A study of teachers in the United Kingdom's Open University who used a computer mediated communications system called Cosy in 1988 was conducted to document their experiences with and attitudes toward the system. The results of interviews and analysis of log sheets revealed that: (1) the sample of teachers (n=10) showed a range in usage of the…

Discusses the need for careful systems analysis and design in the implementation of microcomputer based information systems. Checklists of system requirements and a bibliography of relevant journals, printed, and online sources are provided. (CLB)

Describes software packages for teaching writing, including Compupoem, an instructional package producing haiku-like poems; Poetry Writing, which suggests story lines and poem structures; Story Maker, which assists young writers in planning stories; Cognitive Organizers, which focuses on the classification process; and the author's program for…

In 1980-81, 10 microcomputers were introduced into seven elementary schools and one junior high school in Hinsdale, Illinois. This article reports a survey of 22 educators' reactions, perceptions, and needs in relation to the new microcomputer program. Journal availability: P.O. Box 535, Cupertino, CA 95015. (SJL)

Challenges of collecting and using photographic evidence and photo-interviewing to evaluate technology infusion programs in higher education are discussed. A five-phase study for using photo-interviewing is presented, using evaluation of a hypermedia workshop attended by 1 instructor, 1 graduate assistant, 26 graduate students, and 1 art…

This paper explores the ideas and the model underlying the evaluation of the Apple Classroom of Tomorrow project (ACOT), a 2-year-old research and development project incorporating at least seven different grade levels which is located in five different school sites in four states. The major features of ACOT are identified as the ideas of computer…

Designed to provide teacher-trainees with practice before entering a real classroom, a microcomputer-based simulation of classroom interaction became a key component in the curriculum of two introductory methods courses offered at the University of Virginia. Twenty-two participants used IBM-PC equipment to complete two skill modules. Each module…

Discusses the rapid accumulation of microcomputers in elementary schools and the development of teacher-training programs to promote wise implementation and to prepare a foundation for curriculum change. In particular, it describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of an inservice program developed by the United Nations International…

This article describes the results of a three-month experiment in the use of computer-based semantic networks for curriculum development. A team of doctoral and master's degree students developed a 1200-item computer database representing a tentative "domain of competency" for a proposed MA degree in Workforce Education and Lifelong…