Rapid technological development, the information era, and demographic shifts are three current trends that will influence the educational programs of the future. Schools will need to help students develop skills of reading, writing, and computing and to help students assume responsibility for their own learning throughout their lives. (MLF)

A futurist predicts a renaissance in schooling because of the oncoming information era and because new people moving into positions of responsibility will generate enthusiasm for "making tomorrow work" in school and society. (MLF)

Highlights problems in student achievement and the national need to broaden the definition of basic skills and renew the curriculum. Recommendations are included. (MLF)

A meta-analysis of 51 studies of computer-based instruction shows: a rise in student test scores; student attitudes toward the subject that are slightly more favorable; student attitudes toward computers that are strikingly more positive; and savings from 39 percent to 88 percent in student learning time. (MLF)

During the next decade schools will shift to a new model of instruction that combines teachers and machines. Described are the probable characteristics of the model, the coming changes in curriculum content and design, and the stages of evolution to the new model. (MLF)

The power of the computer to transform learning calls for educators to construct a new view of educational needs in order to make educational system changes that will benefit society. (MLF)

Research indicates that school microcomputer use is associated with the wealth of the school district. Wealthier districts are more likely to utilize the higher level uses of the computer, whereas less affluent schools tend to use computers in computer-assisted instruction of the drill and practice variety. (MLF)

The gap between male and female participation in elective mathematics is now being replicated in computer classes. School districts implementing computer education programs should take action to ensure sex equity. (MLF)

Educational administrators need to become sufficiently computer literate to ask programers the necessary questions, to know and use the full range of computer capabilities, and to increase the computing capabilities of their schools. (MLF)

Humorous fantasy of things that might go wrong when a school district purchases a "Lemon" computer. (MLF)

After comparing the effect of the automobile on society and education in the early 1900's, the author states that present day arguments for drastic educational change because of the power of the computer are premature. (MLF)

A K-8 computer literacy program in Alexandria, Virginia, schools calls for the use of computers in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The history, concepts, process, and applications of computers are taught. Teachers also receive training in computer literacy in a course taught within the school system. (MLF)

A robotics program involving students from a county vocational-technical school and the high school gifted program provides students with wide-ranging educational experiences and is establishing links between the school population and the universities. (MLF)

Describes a 5-year futures curriculum planning process currently used by an 11-member network of California and Canadian school districts. Addresses the definition of information technology and the definition of reasoning that describes the inductive, as well as the deductive, higher-order thinking skills. (MLF)

Describes futures programs at seven schools that (1) treat the study of the future as an investigation of alternatives; (2) place emphasis on process, not content; (3) see futures studies as a form of values clarification; and (4) display a consistent concern with the development of a sense of consequence. (MLF)