This book is designed to introduce educators to basic computing concepts, acquaint them with specific educational applications, and bridge the gap between technology in educational practice by interesting them in educational computing. A brief introduction and review of historical perspectives are followed by a description of computer applications in instruction. Specific topics addressed are computer literacy, computers as an instructional aid, computers as a subject of instruction, word processing, computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, information storage and retrieval, guidance and counseling, vocational education, other projects, and the future. The main components of a computer system are explained, including input, storage or memory, the control unit, arithmetic and logic unit, output, and microcomputers. A chapter on computer languages focuses on Assembler Language, COBOL, FORTRAN, PL/1, and BASIC. Administrative applications discussed are database management systems, management information systems, new administrative computer systems, software, the data processing center, advisory committee, development, operations, and maintenance. A discussion of office automation and an appendix containing computer term definitions complete the guide. (LMM)