The Computer and the Fourth Revolution.

Overview & Synopsis

An overview is provided of the Fourth Revolution, i.e., the revolution which is taking place in education as a result of the introduction of computers into the field. The growth of computing in education, especially in higher education, is traced, and some major National Science Foundation (NSF) programs are mentioned. Following this, a few of the most significant computer-assisted instructional system which have been developed with NSF support are described and the problems associated with the production and transportability of courseware are surveyed. The extent of computer literacy, both in the United States and abroad, is reviewed and, a discussion of the major needs which exist with respect to the use of computers in education is presented. (PB)