Teacher background information and student materials are provided in this guide for teaching a one-semester data processing course, which may be used with or without microcomputer equipment. The material is organized into eight units covering history and evolution of data processing, information processing today, input/output media and devices, processing and primary storage, secondary (peripheral) storage and file concepts, data representation and storage concepts, programming concepts and languages, and trends in data processing. Designed for use in conjunction with a textbook of the teacher's choice or to supplement courses where data processing is included as a topic, the guide presents basic functions and applications of computers and data processing, as well as the basic terminology. Each unit includes behavioral objectives, notes for the teacher with specific suggestions for unit use, suggested activities and instructional materials for student and teacher use, information sheets correlated to specific unit objectives, and assignment sheets. Transparency masters provide enrichment and reinforcement. Tests and answer keys measuring unit objectives end each unit. Appendices provide a list of resources and a glossary. (LMM)