The main emphasis of this book is on classroom and curricular integration, not on computer technology. Its curriculum-based approach to using microcomputers addresses the needs and concerns of preservice and inservice teachers of different experiential backgrounds, from computer novice through long-time proficient users. The text is at the cutting edge of current curriculum approaches to the Internet, World Wide Web, classroom networks, and multimedia applications. Just as importantly, this book reflects the shift of emphasis in how schools are putting technology to use with K-12 youngsters — toward genuine fusion of instructional processes and computer use in diverse content areas and grade levels. The new three-part structure of the book covers: 1) information on the integration of technology into the curriculum (in all 10 chapters); 2) supportive computer literacy and technology information (within the six “primer” sections interspersed throughout the text); and 3) computer and pedagogical resources (at chapters' ends and on the Companion Website.) Thus, the text emphasizes methods of classroom and curricular integration while simultaneously presenting the computer as a technology. The authors address all the information and issues that need to be considered when integrating computers into a classroom.

Table of Contents:
Each chapter includes “Goals,” “Objectives,” “Introduction,” “Summary and Review,” “Suggested Activities,” and “Worth-a-Look.” 1.Using Computers in Teaching: A Professional Goal. Getting Microcomputers and Teachers Together. Microcomputers and Schools — A Changing Picture. Changing Expectations for Teachers.   Primer A: Learning to Use Computers — Myths and Mindsets. Introducing “Understanding Computers: A Teacher's Computer Primer.” FAQs. Myth 1: Operating a Computer Is Difficult. Myth 2: “How a Computer Works” Is Too Hard to Understand. Myth 3: To Learn about Computers, Do Lots of Reading and Studying. Myth 4: “Hunt and Peck” Typing Is All You Need. Comprehension Self-Check. 2.A Computer for the Teacher. Putting a Microcomputer's Talent to Work. Integrated Tools for a Teacher. The Word Processor. The Spreadsheet. Graphics. The Database. Teacher on the Web. Using Integrated Functions: Some Examples. Primer B: Functional Familiarity with the Stand-Alone Computer. FAQs. Computer Commonalities. Meet the Stand-Alone. Comprehension Self-Check. 3.Teaming up with Technology: The Classroom / The Net / The Web. Teaching with Stand-Alone Computers. When Students Take Off with Technology. Student Use of the Internet. Looking to the Internet for Teaching. When Teachers Focus on Learning. Promoting Meaningful Learning via the World Wide Web. How Web Technology Recasts Teaching. Primer C: Classroom Computer Connections. FAQs. Getting Connected, Solving Problems. LANs and Other Networks. Net Communications. One User — One World: The Internet. Up and Running on the Web. Setting Up a Class Web Page. Comprehension Self-Check. 4.Using Computers to Promote Learning. Educational Simulations. Defining the Teaching Task. Choosing Courseware to Reach Curriculum Objectives. Depending on a Computer to Deliver. A Different Type of Teaching and Learning Software. 5.Using Application Programs in Teaching. Blending Word Processing into Teaching. Spreadsheet Applications in the Classroom. Database Applications Programs. Specialized Applications. Blending the Big Three. Primer D: The Computing Story Unfolds. FAQs. Understanding How Computers Work. Under the Hood. Changes in Technology. Ongoing Developments. Comprehension Self-Check. 6.The Computer as a Teacher. General Merits of Microcomputer-Based Instruction. Drill and Practice. Tutorial Programs: Teaching New Knowledge or Skills. Other Ways to Promote Learning. Empowering the Learner. Toward Effective Learner-Centered CAI. 7.Integrating the Microcomputer into the Classroom. The Computer Is Here! Toward Appropriate Computer Use. Common Patterns of Classroom Computer Use. A Real-Life Management Example: One Class, Six Computers. Computer-Sharing Considerations. Primer E: Bossing a CPU. FAQs. How a CPU Is Told What's Next. Computer Language. Programming Languages in School Curricula. Computer Languages and the Teacher. Comprehension Self-Check. 8.Acquiring and Evaluating Microcomputer Courseware. The Availability of Computer Instructional Materials. Searching for Software. Determining Courseware Quality. Evaluation of Instructional Software. Conducting a Formal Design Analysis. Conducting a Formal Tryout Evaluation. Acquiring and Evaluating Courseware: Facing Realities. 9.Using Microcomputers to Measure, Manage, and Deliver. Quality Classroom Instruction. A Tale of Three Schools. Summerset High School. Glenview Elementary School. Woodlawn School. Schools without Walls. 10.Educational Planning: Past, Present, Future … . School Computer Use — History and Perspective. Facing the Issues of Computer Integration. Facing the Broader Planning Issues. Primer F: Computing Skills Self-Check and Learning Resources. Competency Self-Check. Resource List. Software. Web Sites. Web Access. Readings. Finding Reading Material on the Web. References.Index.