Microcomputers In Instruction

Designed to Serve Educators & Others Interested in the Development of Instructional Materials for Microcomputers. Presents Principles & Strategies for Computer Lesson Design & Describes Architecture, Characteristics & Limitations of Classroom Micros.

This monograph for teachers addresses two emerging areas in the computing field--providing inservice training in microcomputer use for the general teaching population, and integrating the use of microcomputers into the overall curriculum. A brief discussion of why computers should be used in the classroom introduces five chapters which provide overviews of the following topics: (1) the use of computers in teaching and learning (areas of computer use and using the computer as a teaching/learning tool); (2) types of software available for schools (computer-assisted instruction software, applications software, and databases); (3) integrating computers into the classroom; (4) developing a plan for using computers in the classroom (setting up a classroom computer center and working with only one computer in the classroom); and (5) evaluating educational software (general questions, questions about instructional design, and questions about physical characteristics of the program). A concluding statement argues that the key to continued growth and expansion in the educational computing field lies with classroom teachers and urges them to take an interest in computers and begin to use this important new tool in their classrooms. A 71-item reference list concludes the document. (EW)

Discusses Impact of Information Technology. Describes Projects Where Micros Were Successfully Used in Teaching & Shows Teachers Their Potential Uses

Authorities from the fields of education and computers explore the vital issues and concerns related to effectively using available computer technologies in the special education classroom. They thoroughly examine the potential benefits of technology in addressing the needs of the disabled, the limits in the application of technology to the lives of the disabled, and the risks of a person with disabilities becoming too dependent on technology. Timely and practical information is offered for effectively applying available technologies, advocating new technologies, and conducting needed research.

Originally published in 1989, this book differed from others on the topic of microcomputers and education at the time, in that it focuses on the influence that microcomputer technology has on children in their early years, specially pre-school and elementary ages. Microcomputers have the capacity to do great harm as well as good and a full explanation of the technical and philosophical issues involved will be of interest to a number of disciplines. Other topics explored are – the potential uses of microcomputer-technology in early childhood education and current research and theory building on microcomputers and early education. This book should be read by teachers, sociologists, psychologists and researchers in education.

A widely shared belief among many policy makers, educators, parents, and the general public is that microcomputers have the potential to help pull U.S. education out of its current state of mediocrity (National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983), and subsequently improve its quality. A number of barriers, however, impede the widespread implementation of microcomputers in classrooms. Along with cost, the major barrier to full implementation is the lack of knowledge possessed by researchers and educational practitioners alike regarding the nature of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes a teacher must have to use microcomputers successfully in classroom instruction. This paper addresses the standard implied in such an evaluation, that is, the nature of 'successful' classroom microcomputer use that might be embodied in the teaching of widely recognized, expert or master teachers. From the teachers' standpoint, microcomputers are an educational technology used as an instructional tool. Thus, the application of the instruction tool should be central to such an evaluation, within the broader context of ongoing classroom instruction.