The authors suggest the need for preservice teacher education to incorporate microcomputer technology in learning of basic instructional skills. Computer literacy should be approached in terms of classroom applications. Using the microcomputer provides immediate feedback on performance and the opportunity to vary responses and reflect on possible…

The column reviews trends and recent articles on computer assisted instruction (CAI) for students with learning disabilities and for students without handicaps. Topics addressed include CAI for incarcerated students, insurance, guidelines for software, and suggestions for purchasing software. (CL)

The article describes typical kinds of writing problems found in fourth grade learning disabled students and discusses ways in which the computer makes the child's planning and composing problems more accessible to teacher help. Similarly, pitfalls of such accessibility are also cited. (CL)

The article describes ways in which learning disabled students can use simple database management and word processing programs as active users. Involvement in these types of computer applications allows the user to be an active, creative communicator. (CL)