This guide to the discovery, analysis, production, communication, and use of statistical information through graphic forms produced by a computer is designed to enable researchers to conduct their analyses and report research results more effectively. It is designed both for individuals with little knowledge about the use of statistical graphs or…

This summary reports the highlights of a survey on microcomputer usage in institutions of higher education which was sponsored in part by EDUCOM. Software issues are emphasized, including assistance in evaluation, integrating software into the curriculum, and policy and procedures concerning illegal access and duplication. (LRW)

This paper summarizes the state of instructional software being produced by commercial sources in the United States as of late 1984, and reports some of the trends which led up to that state. After a brief background synopsis and description of the procedure used to obtain information, the document discusses such topics as: amount of software…

Two questions about the effects of microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) activities on graphing skills were addressed in this study: (1) the extent to which activities help students link their concrete experiences with motion with graphic representations of these experiences; and (2) the degree of importance of the real-time aspect of the MBL in…

Two studies were conducted of students in grades 1-12 in Washington state to determine how children at various grade levels perceived males' and females' interest in using computers. A 46-item instrument was field tested using 124 students from three small school districts whose administrators had volunteered to participate. Four sections of an…

Summarizes six research studies relating to computers in education. The research areas include the use of computer-generated graphs in critical evaluation and in learning distance and velocity concepts, sex differences in graphing skills, student evaluation of courseware, career paths of women with technological education, and characteristics of…

This article describes a number of problems every educational measurement specialist should be prepared to confront before using microcomputers to support test-related activities, including problems with hardware, with software, and with implementing a system. It concludes with a checklist for planning a microcomputer application. (BW)

Microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL), the use of microcomputers for student-directed data acquisition and analysis, represents a promising new development in science laboratory instruction. This descriptive study determined the impact of MBLs on middle school students' understanding of graphs of distance and velocity. The study was based on the…

The Agency for Instructional Television (AIT) has established a consortium of 42 state, provincial, and local educational agencies to develop computer/video materials in problem-solving, prepare inservice materials, and define and conduct policy studies. The purpose of this study, which focuses on the last task, was two-fold: (1) to identify…

Traces the first year of planning, development, and implementation of microcomputer applications in a rural Kansas school district; reports how Stages of Concern (SoC) adoption model was used to monitor this process; and demonstrates how SoC might be used to guide staff development in relation to microcomputer implementation. (MBR)

This study investigated effects of microcomputer placement in three resource rooms for learning disabled elementary school children to explore student and teacher behavior changes and teacher microcomputer use. Results indicate no significant impact on student and teacher behavior. Teacher use varied, with teachers assigning different priority…

Effects of microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) exercises and level of cognitive development on high school biology students' ability to construct and interpret line graphs were investigated. Forty-six students enrolled in general biology classes at a rural high school volunteered to participate in the study. These students were administered…

This study compared the effectiveness of microcomputer and workbook instruction on silent reading comprehension performance of mild mentally retarded and learning disabled 11- to 13-year-olds. Effectiveness was measured by percentage of correct responses to reading comprehension questions and by observing subjects' attention to task behavior. (MBR)

Presents abstracts from the National Educational Computing Conference held in Dallas, Texas on June 15-17, 1988. Selected topics include: a physical science interactive videodisc project, impact of calculators and computers in secondary math, relationships between graphing and functions, effectiveness of computer use, training science teachers,…

Describes Pathfinder, a microcomputer software package designed to improve students' understanding and skills in interpreting graphs of physical phenomena which was tested in high school math classes. Differences in strategies between various ability levels are reported, and student interactions based on observations and interviews are discussed.…