Microcomputers In The Schools

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.

This report of Market Data Retrieval's second comprehensive survey of microcomputers and their use in grades K-12 presents information for the 1984-85 year for public, private, and Catholic schools in the United States. The survey findings are summarized in a brief introduction, and detailed data are presented in the 37 tables and 9 maps that accompany the narrative report. Areas covered include microcomputer use by school type, micro-intensity by grade level and type of school, brand distribution, and growth trends. Findings indicate that: (1) U.S. schools are now using 630,000 microcomputers, a 75% increase over the 1983-84 school year; (2) public school use of micros (85.1%) still exceeds private (46.4%) and Catholic school (63.4%) use; (3) senior high schools still lead the way with 94.6% using microcomputers, but junior high schools are now at 93.1% and elementary schools at 82.2%; (4) 94.2% of U.S. public school districts now use microcomputers for instruction (an increase of 86.1% over last year, and 41.7% over 4 years ago); (5) Apple computer remains the most common microcomputer brand, with a 50.9% share of the market; (6) Radio Shack is second with a 19.7% share and Commodore is third with 15.2%; (7) IBM had the fastest growth rate, moving to a 3.5% share of the market; (8) while the number of children sharing a computer has been reduced in both wealthy and poor schools (54 versus 73.3), wealthy schools are making improvements at a faster pace. State rankings, state profiles, and survey methodology and definitions are appended. (JB)

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.