This directory highlights 42 software programs that are either designed for or useful in the instruction of learning disabled students. Among the content areas covered are mathematics, language, spelling, auditory memory, and spatial relationships. Information on instructional level, price, and distributor is also provided for each entry. (JW)

The authors suggest that students with learning disabilities can profit from instruction via microcomputers. However, adaptation of the keyboard design, promotions of higher interaction levels, and emphasis on an auditory link may be necessary. The PLATO system allows auditory presentation of instructions and feedback and response via a…

Basic principles of effective software implementation with learning disabled students are discussed. A prototype software package is described that is specifically designed to help develop discriminatory skills in recognizing letter shapes and letter combinations. (JW)

The column reviews trends and recent articles on computer assisted instruction (CAI) for students with learning disabilities and for students without handicaps. Topics addressed include CAI for incarcerated students, insurance, guidelines for software, and suggestions for purchasing software. (CL)

Learning disabled students can make more effective use of computer assisted instruction if they incorporate four metacognitive strategies: (1) awareness of task goals, (2) knowledge of applicable learning strategies, (3) selection of appropriate learning strategies, and (4) self-monitoring. (DB)

Practical guidelines are offered to help the teacher integrate microcomputers into a resource room environment for learning disabled students. The author lists basic software packages that are reported to provide proven "starter paks" in language, reading, and mathematics at specified grade levels. (JW)

A 42-item software directory describes courseware in a variety of skill areas, including alphabetizing, communicating, daily living skills, grammar, mathematics, reading, speech, and vocabulary. An audiovisual listing describes videotapes, motion pictures, and filmstrips that focus primarily on disability awareness and various aspects of learning…

Computers should not supplant other forms of basic instruction for learning disabled students. Overreliance on computers could lead to difficulties for students with poor visual skills and to inadequate practice for students with motor problems. (CL)

Suggestions are offered regarding the use and selection of software with LD (learning disabled) students. The scarcity of appropriate software for the population is pointed out and a hybrid selection scale based upon several existing scales is described. It is noted that the major reason for rejecting software is the high readability skill…

Teachers' decisions regarding size and composition of student groups working at the computer can have positive cognitive and social effects for both handicapped and nonhandicapped students. (DB)

Ten teacher guidelines for selecting computer software programs for learning disabled students are outlined. (JW)

The article describes typical kinds of writing problems found in fourth grade learning disabled students and discusses ways in which the computer makes the child's planning and composing problems more accessible to teacher help. Similarly, pitfalls of such accessibility are also cited. (CL)

The paper discusses the major topics of software, examines research on the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction (CAI) for learning disabled adolescents, and suggests specific and creative uses of microcomputers in academic and cognitive skill development. (Author/CL)

Instructional strategies for teaching learning-disabled students to use word processing for writing are considered. The features of three word processing programs useful for these students are compared for usefulness in a variety of curriculum applications. (Author/DB)

Notes that computer based reading programs are proving to be powerful and flexible tools in reading to reading disabled and intellectually handicapped students. Reviews current research showing promise of wider classroom use of computers. (FL)