Outlines the principal areas in which computers have the potential for improving learning. These include: math remediation, vocabulary and language arts, enriching learning opportunities, helping the handicapped, and computer literacy. Includes discussion of areas to consider when planning basic computer programs. (MD)

Describes use of authoring systems--software packages which guide authors through the programming process, eliminating the need to know how to program--as a practical solution to the problem of teachers developing their own microcomputer courseware. Some representative authoring systems, their benefits and costs, and specific products are…

Suggests guidelines for selecting microcomputers, reviews present status of microcomputer industry, projects microcomputer capabilities for 1988 and 1998, and discusses implications of recent trends on microcomputer purchasing. It is concluded that buyers interested in a microcomputer for information management will make a safe decision selecting…

Discusses some of the major genetic information processes which may be modeled by computer program string manipulation, focusing on replication and transcription. Also discusses instructional applications of using string models. (JN)

This theme issue provides brief descriptions or reviews of specific authoring tools including the Digital, TenCORE, EASE, Courseware (Apple), and PLATO authoring systems. Articles on conceptual or practical issues emerging from extensive experience in specific settings or based on use of specific authoring systems are also presented. (MBR)

Reports on computer-assisted instruction materials for use in special education settings (readiness level, reading, math, home and school, remedial/secondary, career/vocational education, programing/computer literacy, adaptive communication devices); professional application software (authoring systems, administration, testing); and software…

Describes "Bulletin Board" software program, which permits individuals or student groups to write, read, and/or evaluate student and instructor-generated multiple-choice and essay questions and to write and read news items. The program thus engages students more deeply in active learning, assessing course material, and providing peer…

Discusses the basic design and special features of robotic dialing systems that are programmed to make calls to parents of truant students and presents detailed information on seven currently available self-dialing attendance systems. (MBR)

This guide presents materials for a computer-based college-level dance and choreography course appropriate for the inclusion of students with disabilities as well as a collection of dance games appropriate for other school and recreational environments which include individuals at various ages, and academic, developmental, and computer skill…

This book provides a resource for everything educators need to know about classroom cheating. Six chapters include: (1) "What Do We Know About Cheating in the Classroom" (who is cheating and why); (2) "Why is Cheating a Problem?" (e.g., the ubiquity and the consequences of cheating); (3) "How Does Cheating Occur?"…

A program designed in the BASIC programing language to provide drill and practice with positive and negative numbers is presented. (MP)

Portfolios help with the collection, organization, and storage of information by incorporating digital pictures, digitized videl, rubrics, text, and fitness scores into an electronic file. This article discusses electronic portfolios, hypercard stacks formatted as electronic portfolios, and typical student use of programs. Various portfolio…

This article provides a rationale for educators to use multimedia computer technologies to create individualized computer-based instructional materials for students with autism. Software design guidelines based on empirical research are presented, along with detailed descriptions of two multimedia authoring systems for educators. Suggestions focus…

Technologies can help overcome some human problems in strategic planning. Group Support Systems technology allows issues to be divorced from the people proposing them and allows debatelike discussion. Strategic Conferencing with a multiattribute value model supports shared understanding and provides modeled scenarios of consequences. Mental…

A Pennsylvania school district was faced with increased costs and a decline in revenue from construction and real estate taxes. Using a computer graphing program that produced four-color graphs and charts that were then converted to 35 millimeter slides, the budget story was presented at town meetings, and the school board approved a 16 percent…