Author: Sylvia Larter

Publisher: Ontario Ministry of Education

Published: 1983

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13:

This examination of the process the Toronto elementary school system is using to become familiar with microcomputers focuses on the introduction of microcomputers into the school setting and the resulting changing responses and interactions among pupils, teachers, administrators, parents, and others. In Phase 1, principals were surveyed for background information, while Phase 2 involved observation, interviews, and surveys in schools and special education settings in the Toronto elementary school system during the 1982-83 school year. The analysis of the data obtained is based on the concept of preparedness context, which refers to people in educational settings and their preparation for new technology. The first section of this report describes and discusses the results of the survey conducted in Phase 1. Results of the Phase 2 fieldwork are then organized around a specific preparedness context: grassroots preparedness, uneven preparedness, unallied external preparedness, and experimental preparedness. Typical patterns of interaction are traced and linked with preparedness through a description of each awareness context, an examination of the structural conditions that enter into the context, and examination of the consequent interactions, tactics, problems, and solutions. Appendices describe data collection methods and include the collection instruments used. (LMM)