Staff Development for Instructional Uses of Microcomputers

AbstractThis paper sets forth recommendations for the topics and organization of preservice and inservice teacher training activities based on a review of the literature on staff development for computer-based instruction, and on the opinions gathered from 60 microcomputer-using teachers who were nominated as “successful” users of microcomputers in mathematics and science instruction. Teacher-taught, individualized, multi-session workshops, with “hands-on” practice, follow-up, and incentives for participation constitute important organizational features. Core topics for staff development include microcomputer operation, computer programming, computer literacy, selection and evaluation of courseware, and integration of computers with instruction.