Book Description
The use of microcomputers in elementary education is described by focusing on an empirical study of computer use in a 10% random sample of elementary schools in one large local education authority. The inclusion of people at the "grass roots" level was considered to be a priority. Interviews of school-level administrators, teachers, and students were supplemented by first-hand observations of computer utilization. Results indicate that schools vary tremendously both in terms of the use to which they put computers and the effectiveness of computer applications in the classroom. In spite of the publicity and the rhetoric of politicians, generally speaking the introduction of the microcomputer has led to very few changes of any significance. Results of the study are presented in three sections: (1) facilities and fabric (factors relating to hardware, software, and school buildings); (2) human involvement (headteachers' and teachers' attitudes and opinions, inservice provision, and students' attitudes); and (3) organization and management (factors relating to school organization and classroom management of the microcomputer). Ethnographic data are presented throughout all three sections. A list of 10 recommendations for encouraging better microcomputer use concludes the report. (45 references) (GL)
