Defines and describes the components and functions that constitute a microcomputer--bits, bytes, address register, cycle time, data path, and bus. Characteristics of 8-, 16-, and 32-bit machines are explained in detail, and microprocessor evolution, architecture, and implementation are discussed. Application characteristics or types for each bit…

Issues about computer use are addressed by a discussion activity designed to help students think about situations and understand various points of view. Four situations are given, each presented from the viewpoints of four persons. (MNS)

This document contains six lessons for a class on using computer spreadsheets. Each lesson contains an objective, terminology, and directions for step-by-step completion of the lesson activites. Worksheets are included for teachers to replicate and hand out or to use as overhead transparencies. The lessons cover the following concepts:…

An elective unit was developed for a course (Math 20) which would teach students to program solutions to typical exercises. Development of the unit took place in a large senior high school in Alberta. The elective is 15 hours long, with the first five hours devoted to learning programming fundamentals and the final ten hours to programming…

This curriculum consists of a common core of computer-related knowledge and skills that emphasize developing knowledgeable users of microcomputers rather than computer programmers, technicians, or engineers. Teacher and student editions are provided. Eleven competency-based modules are included. Modules 1, 3, 4, and 6 emphasize hands-on skills…

Trident Technical College developed a process using microcomputers to produce certificates for competency-based curricula. At the beginning of the process, criteria were set for the program. A software program was needed that used available computers, was easy to use, and produced a competency statement that was easy to read and interpret. A…

These activities were designed for use at the University of Montana, where they were tested for four quarters in a mathematics for elementary teachers course on informal geometry. They are for use with Apple II-Plus computers with 64K memory or Apple IIe computers and MIT Logo. (Modifications are necessary if the activities are to be used with…

The VisiCalc program is visual calculation on a computer making use of an electronic worksheet that is beneficial to the business user in dealing with numerous accounting and clerical procedures. The Lotus 1-2-3 program begins with VisiCalc and improves upon it by adding graphics and a database as well as more efficient ways to manipulate and…

This instructor guide for a unit on recordkeeping in the PACE (Program for Acquiring Competence in Entrepreneurship) curriculum includes the full text of the student module and lesson plans, instructional suggestions, and other teacher resources. The competencies that are incorporated into this module are at Level 3 of learning--starting and…

The purpose of the paper is to address the instructional use of the microcomputer at the community college level. Specific attention is given to two principal types of microcomputer instructional use: computer managed instruction and computer assisted instruction (CAI). Five computer managed instruction applications are discussed: (1) the word…

This book, second in a series dealing with scientific programing in the BASIC language, provides students, engineers, and scientists with a documented library of subroutines for scientific applications. Subjects of the eight chapters include: (1) least-squares approximation of functions and smoothing of data; (2) approximating functions by series…

This volume is one of three in a self-paced computer literacy course that gives allied health students a firm base of knowledge concerning computer usage in the hospital environment. It also develops skill in several applications software packages. Volume II contains materials for three one-hour courses on word processing applications, spreadsheet…

This instructional guide, one of a series developed by the Technical Education Advancement Modules (TEAM) project, is a 16-hour introduction to plant floor operations. The guide is designed to develop the following competencies: (1) understanding the characteristics and components of personal computer (PC) networks; (2) computer networking…

This individualized, competency-based unit on managing finances, the 16th of 18 modules, is on the third level of the revised Program for Acquiring Competence in Entrepreneurship (PACE). Intended for the advanced secondary and postsecondary levels and for adults wanting training or retraining, this unit, together with the other materials at this…

This student guide is part of the microcomputer version of the Career Planning System (CPS). CPS is a comprehensive instructional package designed to provide individualized career exploration and career planning experiences for students of approximately middle-school age. This version is designed to take advantage of the motivational, managerial,…