Microcomputers can record laboratory measurements which human laboratory partners can never collect. Simple, harder, and general-purpose interfaces are discussed, with suggestions for several experiments involving an exercise bike, acceleration, and pendulums. Additional applications with pH meters, spectrophotometers, and chromatographs are also…

Describes a computerized grading system using mark-sense cards to record experimental data. Gives hardware requirements, provides estimated budget, and lists experiments for which mark-sense cards have been developed and are available. Discusses the grading process and programs. (JM)

A major problem in developing a microcomputer course is that the hardware is likely to become obsolete in a short space of time. This paper describes a solution to this problem in which a distinction between the computer system and application area is made. (Author)

Reviews the functions that should be included in an analytical workstation. Also discusses the common data file structures and the techniques of data interchange between software modules and presents a brief overview of commercial products and their interfacing characteristics. These software include word processors, spreadsheets, database…

A number of school systems are saving money with computerized energy management systems. Administrators of Elizabethton Public Schools, Tennessee, also changed the school calendar with an extended winter break that substantially reduced electrical peaks. (MLF)

Schools can make the best use of their microcomputer resources if they (1) use the computers constantly, (2) encourage teachers to use the computers as tools, (3) use a variety of appropriate software for each grade level and subject, and (4) ensure that teachers have access to equipment experts. (PGD)

Describes a game-like writing exercise that uses the principle of "divide and conquer" to teach technical description. (PD)

Faculty from various disciplines were interviewed to determine their attitudes toward computer-based education (CBE). Experience with computer grading of tests and use of objective tests, coupled with the fact that two-thirds of the faculty members had direct/indirect experience with CBE, indicate a base of knowledge conducive to use of CBE. (JN)

A motivational classroom activity involving mazes, with explorations in the Logo programing language, is described. Use of the Big Trak toy to teach programing is also described. (MNS)

Videodisk technology consists of the videodisk, the videodisk player, and the equipment necessary to produce the videodisk. Describes videodisk technology and its advantages over similar media, its most prevalent uses, current educational applications, and courseware developed by the Interactive Videodisk for Special Education Technology project.…

Discusses why educators should not rush headlong into creating robotics curricula and suggests methods of establishing meaningful courses. Indicates that the solution to the problem of building a robotic curriculum is to incorporate the three major areas of robotics (design, operations, maintenance) into existing curricula where they best fit. (JN)

Many current software systems for authoring interactive microcomputer/video instructional materials have noticeable drawbacks. Advantages of interactive software systems are examined and a research project to develop interactive video authoring tools without the drawbacks is described. (JN)

Discusses computer solutions for factoring problems. Includes listing for (1) a program that multiplies two user-chosen factors (X-R times X-S) and allows subsequent multiplications by more linear factors and (2) a program which computes P(X)/(AX plus B), where P(X) is a user-chosen polynomial and AX plus B is a user-chosen divisor. (JN)

Examines such questions as: (1) Can creativity be fostered by education, and if so, how? (2) What part does language, man's most effective tool, play in this process? and (3) Could the artificial intelligence of computers be enlisted in the quest for greater creativity? (Author/JN)

Discusses recent developments in the instrumentation and practice of analytical scale operations. Emphasizes detection devices and procedures in gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, electrophoresis, supercritical fluid chromatography, and field-flow fractionation. (JN)