Computers and Teacher Training: A Practical Guide

Here is a complete guide designed to assist teachers at all levels in learning about educational computing and computer-related technology. In clear and nontechnical language, this revolutionary book provides an exploration of the computer's presence in our society and its potential relationship to the school experience. This helpful volume will serve as a resource for what teachers and prospective teachers need to learn about the technological literacy-intensive environment of the future, and it will aid them in playing an active and imaginative role in the application and enhancement of computer instruction.

Table of Contents:
Contents Introduction I. A Look Back--A Look Ahead How Long Have Computers Been With Us? Computers in Europe: Moving in Fits and Starts Toward World War II American Candidates for “Inventor of the Electronic Digital Computer” The Evolution of Programming The Transistor From the Microchip to the Apple Generation Computers in the Workplace Computers in Our Personal Lives Computers in Education Summary II. The Computer as an Agent of Change The Computer as a Catalyst for Revitalizing Education Can a Computer Possess the Qualities of a Good Teacher? How Communication Links Expand Your View Artificial Intelligence: From the Laboratory to Our Lives A Little Healthy Skepticism and Concern The Future--A Fifth Generation of Computers Helping Teachers Direct Technological Change Teachers Influencing the Marketplace The Classroom Teacher: Key to Meaningful Change The Teacher as Decision Maker Teacher Training and Staff Development in Computers A Suggested Format for Training Sessions Summary III. Using Computers to Enhance Learning Don't Fall Into the Same Trap as Educational Television Borrow From Other Fields Computer-Assisted Instruction Computer-Managed Instruction Computers and Exceptional Children Computers--or Machine Intelligence Itself--as a Subject of Instruction Simulation Games Computers and Reading “The Computer as Pencil”--Reading and Writing With Machine Intelligence Courseware and Software Problems Language Arts and the Most Powerful Learning Technology Ever Devised Suggestions for the Teacher Computer-Based Learning and Children's Literature: Linking the Technological and Literary Worlds A New Kind of Literary Fusion: Inhabiting an Author's Environment Multiple Idea Arrangements for Technology and Literature: Combining Learning Tools Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Literature: Telecommunication Networks Available Today Influencing the New Medium: Windows on the Literary World The Future of Our Children's Literacy Depends on You Exaggerated Claims Ten Generalizations About Educational Computing Supported by Research IV. Programming Computer Programming: Reading/Writing Relationships Where Does Programming Fit Into the Curriculum? Higher Level Languages Infallible Programs? Logo PILOT BASIC Learning Activities V. Don't Buy Hardware--Buy a Solution! Making Decisions About Hardware The Computer's System The First Time Your Class Meets the Computer VI. Computer Awareness Activities: Tapping Into the World: Computer Telecommunications Networks and Schools Computer Telecommunications Networks Necessary Components for Computer Telecommunications Computer Telecommunications Networks Serve People Computer Telecommunications Networks and Schools Caveats and Thorny Problems Summary Examples of General Information Systems Examples of Bibliographic Data Bases Examples of Educational Bulletin Board Systems Examples of Free Educational Bulletin Boards Resources for Further Information Appendix: Resources