Reviews the efforts of eight teachers involved in a study using microcomputers in schools. Reflects on how the pursuit and politics of institutional reward and innovation can undermine good practice. Advocates the use of critical thinking when participating in ethically justified innovation. (KO)

As a form of warning to educators who might mistake novelty for value, a nationally recognized expert compares the present influx of microcomputers into academia, with similar and now historic moves by motion pictures, educational radio and television, language laboratories, and teaching machines. (JN)

Describes activities and recommendations of Montana's task force on computer education. Recommendations include integrating computers with regular classroom instruction, providing hands-on experiences for students, and using computers for problem-solving. An audiovisual presentation, handbook, and staff development program have been developed to…

Examines the recent rapid introduction of microcomputers into schools and discusses the range of uses to which they may be put. Related specific and general issues are explored, and speculations concerning possible long-term developments are offered. (Author/RH)

Summarizes findings of a survey school use of microcomputers. Results indicate that most schools have microcomputers, secondary schools are more likely than elementary schools to have them, and drill/practice and programing are major uses. Additional findings reported focus on time spent by student users, regular teacher users, and other areas.…

Viewing computers in various forms as developmentally appropriate objects for children, this discussion provides a framework for integrating conceptions of computers and conceptions of play. Several instances are cited from the literature in which explicit analogies have been made between computers and playthings or play environments.…

This hearing on computer assisted instruction and the use of educational technology in classrooms was held in response to a presidential request that instructional innovation be given special attention, particularly in science and mathematics education, in every congressional district. This transcript of the hearing includes statements presented…

The educational potential of time-lapse video sequences and weather data obtained using a conventional microcomputer are considered in the light of recent advances in both fields. Illustrates how videos and microcomputers can be used to study clouds in meteorology classes. (RM)

Freshmen at Clarkson College of Technology (Potsdam, NY) will be issued a Zenith microcomputer. Every aspect of Clarkson's curriculum will be redesigned to capitalize on the new computing and word processing power. Students will pay $200/semester and a one-time $200 maintenance fee and will keep the computer when they graduate. (Author/JN)

Effective utilization of computer technology can help rural and small school administrators and teachers overcome problems of time, distance, sparsity in course offerings and support personnel, and unequal funding through facilitation of communication and through the potential to replicate quality instruction. Tools that have implications for…

Introduces the basic terminology and capabilities of computers, describes software for children, provides guidelines for choosing hardware, briefly characterizes computer languages, and discusses the use of computers in early childhood education. (RH)

Regardless of favorable advertising and publicity, it is not presently clear that schools should rush to purchase microcomputers for instructional use in classrooms. In regard to instructional questions, much research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the computer under varying classroom conditions. Additional questions needing…

Offers educational practitioners direction for the development of a master plan for the implementation and application of computer-based educational technology by briefly examining computers in education, discussing organizational change from a theoretical perspective, and presenting an overview of the planning strategy known as the planning and…

The author focuses on the meaning of the concept of intentionality in discussing uses of computers. He considers issues arising from Sullivan's analysis and Papert's views, and suggests an alternative perspective for evaluating the uses of computers in education. (MT)

Examines the use of teletext and viewdata in education in the United Kingdom and, in particular, the British viewdata system Prestel. (Author/JJD)