Computer Assisted Learning in U.S. Secondary/Elementary Schools

A sample of 974 school districts was surveyed by mail to determine the current and projected use of computers in United States public secondary/elementary schools, with special reference to computer assisted learning. Returned questionnaires provided a 62.3 percent response rate, and were balanced both geographically and by urban/rural distribution. Analyses indicated that 90 percent of the districts were currently using the computer, with projections to 94 percent by 1985. Instructional usage was reported by 74 percent, with projections to 87 percent by 1985. A total of 54 percent of the districts reported use of the computer for computer assisted learning, with projections to 74 percent by 1985. Major usage is in secondary schools for drill and practice in mathematics, natural sciences, business, and language arts. Projections for 1980-85, however, indicate greater usage in the social sciences at the secondary levels, as well as growth at the elementary school levels in all subject areas, and shifts to tutorials and simulations with microcomputers as the delivery systems. Major impediments to usage were identified as financial, lack of knowledge about computer assisted learning and computers in general, faculty attitudes, and the need for more and better computer assisted learning modules. (Author/BK)