A large class that must share one computer can still get the benefits of adventure/simulation software if students work in small groups. Teamwork stimulates sharing and cooperation. The importance of planning, useful peripherals, follow-up activities, and product information are included in this article. (IAH)

Reviewed are four computer software packages including "Project Classify: Mammals,""Living Science Textbook--The Frog,""Life Science Help Series," and "Talking Dinosaurs." Discussed are availability, features, strengths, and weaknesses. (CW)

This book is a comprehensive and practical guide to the use of computers across a wide age range. Extensive use is made of photographs, illustrations, cartoons, and samples of children's work to demonstrate the versatility of computer use in schools. An introduction by Rob Crompton placing computer use within the educational context of the United…

Proposes use of computer simulations to help students build reading comprehension skills, and describes an existing simulation which requires readers to interact with text to accomplish some purpose. Differences between teaching reading skills with simulations and the way they are traditionally taught, and future potential of reading simulations…

Designed to assist teachers who are not familiar with computer applications in elementary education, this guide provides information on personal skill development, computer terminology, software organization and evaluation, and troubleshooting. A tentative set of computer education objectives is outlined, and examples and strategies for effective…

This study investigated the effects of combining interactive microcomputer simulations and concrete activities on the development of abstract thinking in elementary school mathematics. Students in grades 2-4 were assessed on tasks involving designs and patterns. (MNS)

In October and November 1986, the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) sponsored a series of forums for elementary teachers to share ideas about the use of computers in the classroom. During the forums, each teacher took from 15 to 30 minutes to explain how he or she taught the lesson that was being shared. The informality of the…

Presents a tiling problem designed to be solved using the microcomputer, which will give students a context upon which to build meaning for the concepts of factors, common factors, and greatest common factors. (PK)

Discusses computer science developments in French primary schools and describes strategies for using computers in the classroom most efficiently. Highlights include the use of computer networks; software; artificial intelligence and expert systems; computer-assisted learning (CAL) and intelligent CAL; computer peripherals; simulation; and teaching…

Presented is an activity in which probability and percents are taught using a basketball computer simulation. Computer programs that replicate the free-throw accuracy of college and professional stars and allow students to compete with those stars are included. (KR)

Two alternative representations for the concept of common multiples are presented. These representations can be modeled on or off the computer. (PK)

Presents a set of teaching activities which deal with the pet overpopulation problem while improving students' persuasive writing skills. Includes activities that focus on how people can solve problems by working together. The activities range from songs to a computer simulation. (TW)

Reviewed are seven computer software packages including "Frog Dissection Lab Report,""Backyard Birds,""LEGO TC Logo,""Alcohol--Four Interactive Programs,""Windows on Science--Life Science,""Climate and Weather/Our Town Database," and "Weeds to Trees." Discussed are availability, features, strengths, and weaknesses. (CW)

There is a serious risk that the extra burden of adding instruction about microcomputers and software to regular elementary school curricula may turn off both teachers and students to the potential that microcomputers have for improving learning. To counter this risk, microcomputers should be integrated into the regular instructional program of…

Student achievement, cost, rural context, and qualitative differences relative to small/rural schools were analyzed in Alberta to address the choice between small elementary school construction and school consolidation with student busing. Studies in both the United States and Canada have found no consistant significant differences in student…