The microcomputer can be used as a perceptual tool that enables one to quickly manipulate information about a student, graphically depict such information, and formulate and test hypotheses. Applications of microcomputers to teaching handicapped infants, including examining contingencies of reinforcement, and data-based decision rules are…

An administrator describes a systematic approach to develop, store, and recall individualized education programs (IEPs) for handicapped students. The approach is designed to reduce time requirements and make classroom supervision and long term student data management more efficient. A thesaurus (presently, over 4,000 entries are stored in the…

The presentation focuses on development and criteria for selecting a database management system in the schools, with particular application to special education. An introductory section describes general applications for education in three basic categories: word processing, electronic spread sheet, and database management systems. An integrated…

The article describes a way of preparing progress reports for special education students through the use of a computer. An example illustrates the approach that identifies a gifted student's special needs and her class accomplishments. (CL)

The authors discuss the issue of increased record-keeping responsibilities which are the direct result of the individualized education process (IEP) as mandated by P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act), and they describe one method of alleviating the burden of this paperwork through the use of computers. (SW)

The role of the computer as manager of instruction in special education is discussed. In Part 1, basic computer terms are introduced under the major headings of data measurement, hardware, and software. Part 2 focuses on selection criteria for microcomputers. Suggestions for evaluating software are given in terms of ease of use, documentation,…

Intended for special education directors responsible for managing preparation of individualized education programs (IEPs), the booklet suggests ways to streamline the IEP process by using computers. An initial chapter suggests ways to reduce the IEP paperwork, such as preselecting goal areas and proposed objectives in advance of the IEP meeting.…

The paper examines the use in special education of computerized data management systems (CDMS). CDMS are electronic report generators and databases that provide individualized records (Individual Education Plans or IEP) in a structured format. Examples of software functions and hardware required are cited. Three major sources of software for IEP…

Increasingly, software is being developed for special education administrative purposes, including Individualized Education Program development and documentation, database management for reporting and monitoring instructional programs for federal accountability, statistical analysis for program monitoring, and creative uses. The widespread use of…

The first edition of this journal features seven papers on computers in special education. D. Berkell reviews basic information in "For the Uninitiated: What Teachers Should Know about Computers." D. Shanahan briefly describes a computer problem solving program in "Robots in the Kindergarten." J. Beckerman relates her own experiences using…

The author cites the arrival of the information age and considers its implications for special education. He suggests that special educators must build their information management skills. Four specific applications of microcomputers in special education are addressed: tool applications (in which students use microcomputer technology as personal…

The paper demonstrates how school districts can have a low cost software library for instruction by utilizing public domain software. Such software can be used to augment the curriculum and to meet the individual needs of special education students. Specific examples of how one school district has used public domain software in computer-assisted…

Developed to fill a gap in preservice and inservice training, the materials focus on training special education administrators and program specialists to use computers in program management. Materials include packets to be reproduced for participants as well as outlines, transparency masters, lists of audiovisual materials, and scripts for…

The application of technology in special education assessment is reviewed, implications for complying with requirements of P.L. 94-142 are noted, and cautions offered for adapting existing assessment instruments to the microcomputer. (CL)

The article details major steps in establishing a computerized management information system in a special education organization to carry out such functions as student record monitoring and fiscal control. Steps include (1) the study phase, (2) the gross design phase, (3) the detailed design phase, and (4) the implementation phase.(Author/DB)