Discusses the hardware and software necessary to generate charts and graphs to illustrate numeric data using a microcomputer. The manufacturer, price, operating system, memory requirements, and types of graphs they can produce are given for nine graphics software packages and seven inexpensive plotters. (MBR)

Describes Electronic Software Delivery System (ESDS), which allows teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District to access and preview software stored at a central location. Hardware used in the system is explained, and security of programs stored on the system is emphasized as the key to its success. (LRW)

Discusses benefits and pitfalls of networking or disk-sharing in computer labs where microcomputers are connected to a central disk drive which runs one program for all microcomputers at one time. Copyright and software compatibility from educators' and publishers' perspectives, costs, time factors, and educational objectives are included in the…

Describes range of options and features in gradebook programs and reviews most popular and readily available software for organizing, calculating, and updating grades: Master Grades, EA Gradebook, Gradeaid, Grader, Graphic Gradebook, Classic Plus Gradekeeping System, Records, Gradecalc, Grade Master, Report Card, Electronic Gradebook for…

Describes capabilities of test and worksheet generator software; discusses features to consider when evaluating the software for purchase; and presents reviews of eight test and worksheet generators: P.D.Q., Testmaster, Easy Quiz Maker, EA Mathematics Worksheet Generator, Mathematics Worksheet Generator, Earth Science Test Maker, Individualized…

Describes differences between authoring systems and authoring languages for teachers interested in creating their own educational software, discusses selection criteria and features to consider before choosing a package, recommends specific authoring systems and Pilot language programs, and provides a chart of currently available packages. (MBR)

Describes a project which involved designing a nine-week course utilizing computer assisted instruction (CAI) to teach seventh graders critical thinking skills. Results indicate measurable gains were made in the critical thinking skills of verbal analogy and inductive/deductive reasoning, although no consistent gains were made in logical reasoning…

A survey of 328 educators to determine trends in administrative computing shows that most administrators have microcomputers, and the most popular use of computers is for keeping student records. Hardware and peripheral equipment currently used and being considered for purchase are described, and budget information is also presented. (LRW)

Discusses the basic design and special features of robotic dialing systems that are programmed to make calls to parents of truant students and presents detailed information on seven currently available self-dialing attendance systems. (MBR)

Discusses use of PFS File, a database management system under development by the Kansas State Department of Education, to store and sort individual education program (IEP) records and generate report information from these records. File design and range of reports that can be generated are reviewed. (MBR)

Explores classroom microcomputer applications in elementary and secondary social studies. The utility of drill and practice and tutorial programs is reviewed; computer spreadsheets to project election tallies and databases for use in analyzing voter data are described; and economics and election simulations are compared. (MBR)

Discusses types of software most useful in social studies classes--games, simulations, and word processing, database, spreadsheets, and graphing--and introduces applications software through descriptions of four learning activities from different parts of the social studies curriculum: introducing databases, writing historical journals, tracking…

Presents guidelines for library media specialists who are preparing to install automated systems to provide improved management and access services. Reasons for automating library management are discussed; hardware and software considerations are reviewed, including costs and compatibility; and retrospective conversion of bibliographic records is…

Describes writing skills software that helps reinforce language building blocks and word processing software that helps students develop as writers. Also included are outlines of five word processing activities; a software directory; a description of a writing instruction project; and discussion of whether computers encourage revision. (MBR)

Defines microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL); discusses necessary hardware and software for operation of an MBL; reviews science applications in secondary education and eight steps involved in constructing a four-paddle interface box, the heart of an MBL; and provides information on suppliers of resources for creating an MBL. (MBR)