Consumers and producers of educational software must make decisions about what kind of software to buy and create. Both groups must base these decisions on criteria that consider what it is important to learn in our technological era, what is workable, and what is currently practical and cost-effective. Five criteria that are central to these…

This document provides nine papers presented at a 2-day conference where representatives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) described the future of space exploration and discussed the implications of that future for educators. The proceedings begins with an introduction by Ralph Winrich, NASA Aerospace Education…

This bibliography lists 168 articles, books, and instructional materials for anyone interested in learning more about the LOGO programming language. Items listed range from research reports and program descriptions to lesson plans and activities. Specific titles include "A Beginner's Guide to LOGO"; "LOGO Music"; "Printing…

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)

Routines developed for an ongoing course in research methods and statistics provides examples of the custom instructional applications that can be created using extended BASIC and a light pen, including title and transition displays, progressive disclosure, animation, overlays, and simulations. Strengths of this technique are reviewed. (MBR)

Describes use of computer simulation which generates bird songs so that students can analyze song motifs and sequences as an introduction to descriptive analysis of behavior in an animal behavior course. Advantages of the simulation are discussed together with computer hardware/software needed and data presentation, analysis, and generation…

Provides a course outline, describes equipment and teacher requirements, discusses student evaluation and course outcomes, and details the computer programs used in a high school course. The course is designed to teach students use of the microcomputer as a tool through hands-on experience with a variety of commercial software programs. (MBR)

Discussion of several applications of microcomputer programing in developing economics tutorials on videocassettes includes hardware requirements and videocassette preparation. A sample oligopoly program is included. Additional potential applications noted include using the microcomputer as an electronic blackboard and audio synchronized…

Presents the options and limitations available in microcomputer-based graphic systems. Factors that must be considered when selecting a system--resolution, color, video-compatibility, and cost--and the relationship between these factors are discussed. (MBR)

To better appreciate the role computer-assisted video instruction serves in education, this article examines the major features of the individual component technologies--computer assisted instruction, film, videotape, and videodisc; discusses potential effects and pitfalls of computer-assisted video instruction; and reviews research on its…

Discusses learner/computer interaction, learner control, sequencing of instructional events, and graphic screen design as effective principles for the design of instructional software, including tutorials. (MBR)

Describes the graphics tablet, a microcomputer peripheral device used to develop graphics, together with its uses and specific classroom applications. Six currently available graphics tablets are discussed, and ten points to consider before purchasing one are provided. (MBR)

Six practical computer-oriented classroom activities are presented. They include making cryptograms using the search-and-replace function of word processors, making a frame for a Logo picture, examining Atari POKE commands, and comparing equivalent commands on different microcomputers. Also indicates the usefulness of marking on monitors with…

Describes five statistical simulation programs developed at Wichita State University--Coin Flip and Raindrop, which demonstrate the binomial, Poisson, and other related distributions; Optimal Search; QSIM; and RANDEV, a random deviate generation program. Advantages of microcomputers over mainframes and the educational uses of models are noted.…

Reviews "Dueling Digits," an arcade-style computer game, in which the player creates mathematical equations. Discusses features of the program, educational value, design quality, documentation, and ease of use. Tested on Apple II/Apple II-Plus, the program (requiring 48K, disk drive and game paddles/joystick) is rated as an excellent…