This book provides school administrators with the basic information they need to understand the potential of the microcomputer as an educational tool in today's schools. It covers the general operating principles for microcomputers, describes the hardware, discusses the principles of programming and the programs available, and introduces computer vocabulary. After an introductory overview, two chapters are devoted to the role of school administrators and the uses they can make of microcomputers in the school offices. Chapter 4 addresses academic and societal uses of microcomputers, while chapter 5 addresses the evaluation of educational software, on the premise that administrators must be involved in the development of instructional programs involving microcomputers. Chapters 6 and 7 explain the basic operating principles of microcomputers in simple, concise terms. Included are a brief explanation of computer language and binary mathematics, a discussion of various input and output devices, and criteria for evaluating and selecting hardware. Four specific machines are compared to illustrate application of these selection criteria. The last section includes reports on representative uses of microcomputers already found in schools across the country. Also included are summaries of the various forms of computer educational literature, some representative conference activities, and assistance available from academic and business institutions. Appended are the following: (1) a list of additional resources for computer users; (2) a discussion of important points for administrators when installing their programs; (3) specific instructions for using prepared programs and an introduction to BASIC; and (4) a short sample of a simple program. (TE)