Local area networks (LAN) are privately owned communication systems that connect multivendor devices at high speed. As microcomputers become more common in schools, user interest in sharing information, software, and peripherals will increase. A basic understanding of the operation of all LAN's can be gained by knowing four elements: media,…

Constituting an updated treatment of the use of computers for reading instruction, this book focuses on recent developments in computer assisted instruction and its classroom implications. The ten chapters cover the following topics: (1) the development of digital computers and their programs, (2) college and university centers in computer based…

This composite report provides summaries of presentations by 10 experts at the 23rd Annual Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing in April 1986 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. All were concerned with the design of online systems to make them easier for library patrons to use. (Author/CDD)

Explains philosophy of the Higher Order Thinking Skills Project, which utilizes microcomputers in a learning laboratory to develop in upper elementary school students the thinking ability needed to construct sophisticated associations between ideas; describes curriculum used to teach these skills; and reviews software and hardware utilized and…

Discussion of the use of computers and appropriate software for teaching learning disabled individuals focuses on improving problem solving, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Highlights include evaluation guidelines, teaching strategies, and reviews of 10 programs that have been used successfully with different age groups with a variety of…

Provides a review of four science software programs. Includes topics such as plate tectonics, laboratory experiment simulations, the human body, and light and temperature. Contains information on ordering and reviewers' comments. (ML)

Discusses some of the improvements made recently in computerized speech and some questions about using such technology in classrooms. Describes the hardware needed for speech software. Provides a directory of what is currently available in speech-based products. (TW)

Continues the discussion of the Association of School Business Officials' 1987 member survey on automation, citing computer applications in use by enrollment size. Only the number of applications in wide use increases with enrollment size. A rough measure of satisfaction with software vendors highlights two companies. (MLF)

Discusses some of the attributes of effective tutorial software programs. Describes four science programs that focus on the physical and earth sciences, and highlights some of their features that are proposed as features of high-quality educational software. (TW)

Notes how limited funds and technical personnel affect small school districts and points out benefits that computer technology can bring to their administrative practices. Presents seven guidelines for selecting a computer to meet a small district's needs. Covers software selection, maintenance, staff training, and choosing a vendor. (JHZ)

Explores several concepts in computer assisted design/computer assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Defines, evaluates, reviews and compares advanced computer-aided geometric modeling and analysis techniques. Presents the results of a survey to establish the capabilities of minicomputer based-systems with the CAD/CAM packages evaluated. (CW)

Presents current trends in the development of expert systems within the Department of the Navy, particularly research into expert graphics systems intended to support the Authoring Instructional Methods (AIM) research project. Defines artificial intelligence and expert systems. Discusses the operations and functions of the Navy's intelligent…

Provides reviews of four computer software packages designed for use in science education. Describes courseware dealing with a variety of tips for teaching physics concepts, chemical reactions in an aqueous solution, mitosis and meiosis, and photosynthesis. (TW)

Reviews database management software options for academic applications of pedagogy and research offering practical suggestions on choosing software. Software reviewed includes dBase III, Reflex, FYI 3000, Notebook II, AskSAM, Electra-Find, and Practicase. Program advantages, disadvantages, features, flexibility, and costs are discussed. A…

Special supplement to "Library Journal" and "School Library Journal" covers topics of interest to school, public, academic, and special libraries planning for automation: microcomputer use, readings in automation, online searching, databases of microcomputer software, public access to microcomputers, circulation, creating a…