Uses of Computers in Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Based on a comprehensive review of the existing research reinforced by consultation with a panel of experts, this report documents the impact of computers on many aspects of elementary and secondary school operation--e.g., uses to which computers are put, student performance and attitudes, and teacher atttiudes--and also on postsecondary education. Discussions of computer uses in elementary and secondary education cover current use patterns; factors influencing computer use; regional/state, socioeconomic, and urban/rural use differences; and uses in special, vocational, and bilingual education. Projected computer use during the next decade is also discussed. Effects of computers on student academic performance and attitudes are explored via background information on current school practices, a review of the literature on the effects and effectiveness of computer assisted instruction and computer managed instruction, and projections of effects which computer use in schools may have on students. An assessment of the importance of young peoples' computer use in school for their postsecondary education prospects is also presented; this includes reviews of ways in which computer literacy is viewed in the context of computers in education, impact of computers on postsecondary education institutions, and computer literacy requirements for college entrance. Policy issues are addressed, study methodology is reviewed, and expert panel members are listed. An extensive reference list is provided. (MBR)