Guidelines for the planning and purchase of microcomputer systems are presented in outline form. These guidelines are directed to educators in developmental education, special education, and learning center environments; however, they are applicable to all educators intending to use microcomputers. First, a discussion of hardware considerations is…

The aim of "Bridging the Technological Gap" (BTG), a federally funded demonstration project, is to use microcomputer technology in the rehabilitation of the psychiatrically disabled. Through the use of a custom designed microcomputer software package, clients receive remediation in areas of specific cognitive and behavioral deficits. The project…

Describes five categories of software that can be useful in the basic writing classroom: computer-assisted instruction, computer-controlled instruction, artificial intelligence, computer-based rhetorical invention, and word processing. Evaluates each type of software in terms of their ability to fulfill the goals of basic writing instruction to…

A new potential for using microcomputers to help secondary school students learn mathematics through self-diagnosis and self-remediation is contrasted with current uses of computers for diagnosis and remediation. Research findings and software are cited in the discussion. (MNS)

The paper examines ways to use word processing programs to ameliorate children's writing problems. Case studies of three children contrast samples of their handwritten work and their compositions using word processing A list of word processing programs for use with children with special needs is included. (Author/DB)

The ease of authoring new computer materials for micros and pre-programed menu-driven systems, which allows classroom instructors to design programs directly related to classroom objectives and activities, has helped to alleviate the problems of software shortage for computer assisted instruction (CAI) in reading. One college instructor has…

Describes a system in which the computer, by interacting with an information bank, produces an individual or group diagnostic profile specifying the nature of the factors that contribute to mathematics difficulties and student variability. The computer also generates suggestions for remediating the learning difficulties and accommodating student…

Describes a student-centered software package designed at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin to support student writing by helping students generate ideas, improve organization and development, and improve editing capabilities. Describes UT's basic writers and presents findings from the classroom research-based program evaluation. (DMM)

Surveyed currently available software in the physical sciences, biological sciences, and earth/space sciences. Also examined interdisciplnary and remedial programs. One finding is that the emphasis in science education software is for high school and college students with little software for junior high school teachers or students. (JN)

Illustrated first is the case in which a wrong procedure (with fractions) leads to a correct result. Trying to justify why it works in this case and looking for similar patterns involved interesting algebraic considerations as well as use of computers. (MNS)

Outlines the principal areas in which computers have the potential for improving learning. These include: math remediation, vocabulary and language arts, enriching learning opportunities, helping the handicapped, and computer literacy. Includes discussion of areas to consider when planning basic computer programs. (MD)

Explains how the search feature available with most word processing programs can reinforce grammar and proofreading skills, helping students focus on grammatical agreement, comma usage, and sentence fragments. Discusses student responses to the technique. (DMM)

Research on structural learning theory is reviewed as a base for designing computer-assisted instruction programs. An intelligent "Rule Tutor" emphasizing diagnosis and remediation for whole number concepts is described. (MNS)

The history of competency testing and legal issues related to it are reviewed briefly in light of the responsibility of school districts for providing remediation programs for students who have failed the test. The mathematics competencies of the state of Idaho are identified and keyed to four sets of readily available, secondary level Apple…

Compares gains in reading rate and comprehension of students using traditional texts and those using a computer-based, commercially prepared, speed reading package. Offers recommendations for the use of computers in college reading courses, focusing on hardware/software needs and student/teacher responsibilities. (DMM)