Discussion of the use of computers in math instruction highlights two possibilities suggested in response to an earlier journal column: (1) a program written in BASIC for producing spirolaterals, and (2) the use of LOGO list processing to solve matrix problems for exploring geometric transformations. (LRW)

Reviews the historical evolution of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and discusses recent advances in intelligent systems. Intelligent tutoring systems are described from the system designer's and learner's perspectives, and possible future applications are considered. A list of existing intelligent CAI systems is provided. (14 references) (CLB)

Describes a study that examined the effects of various computer reinforcement responses, including graphics and/or sound, on students' attentiveness to the program. Implications for educational software design are discussed. (CLB)

Discusses benefits of keyboarding instruction for elementary school students, emphasizing the integration of keyboarding with language arts instruction. Traditional typing and computer-assisted instruction are discussed, six software packages for adapting keyboarding instruction to the classroom are reviewed, and suggestions for software selection…

Outlines competencies for computer education specialists, i.e., individuals working with teachers and students to teach the use of computers for instructional purposes rather than computer science. These competencies were developed from an informal survey of individuals currently working in such positions. (MBR)

Reviews a classroom experience which used the computer simulation "Decisions, Decisions: Immigration" in a secondary school social studies class. Highlights include descriptions of the decision making process, rank ordering of priorities, political and social issues relating to immigration, and benefits of teaching the simulation. (LRW)

This first in a projected series of five articles discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on education. Highlights include the history of artificial intelligence and the impact of microcomputers; learning processes; human factors and interfaces; computer assisted instruction and intelligent tutoring systems; logic programing; and expert…

This discussion of the design of data files for databases to be created by secondary school students uses AppleWorks software as an example. Steps needed to create and use a database are explained, the benefits of group activity are described, and other possible projects are listed. (LRW)

Description of the field of robotics and its possible use in high school computational geometry classes emphasizes motion planning exercises and computer graphics displays. Eleven geometrical problems based on robotics are presented along with the correct solutions and explanations. (LRW)

Reports results of survey of teacher training institutions in the United States and Canada to determine training that prospective English teachers receive in the educational uses of computers. Highlights include the use of computers in English methods courses, attitudes of faculty toward computers, and use of computers in schools where student…

Describes Quality of Life, an electronic spreadsheet activity involving student ranking of livability of U.S. cities, which was developed to introduce discussion on the subjective nature of statistics to junior high school students. This activity demonstrates the use of microcomputers, spreadsheets, and database management in social studies…

Provides Terrapin LOGO programs that use graphic manipulatives--squares, logs, and units--to form the area of a rectangle as a graphical representation for any trinomial of the form: Axx + Bx + C. An important component is the connection of the procedural skill of trinomial factoring to the visualization of the accompanying rectangular displays.…

Discusses the dynamics and outcomes of an unplanned classroom activity that developed from the integration of the use of spreadsheets with the study of the characteristics of previously collected seashells, specifically their color, size, shape, texture, and any other obvious differences. (JJK)

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…

Provides methods for cooperative, student investigation of weather data similar to methods currently used by atmospheric scientists. Utilizes spreadsheets to focus on the analysis and interpretation of wind frequency data for a small town in Oregon. (JJK)