Despite the usefulness of computers, there is no consistent objective evidence that they can help students become better writers. Even if computers alone could improve writing quality, it is important to consider what degree of improvement is necessary to justify the enormous expense and effort of installing and maintaining computers. (Author/MSE)

This article describes potential use of new technological products and services by blind/visually impaired people. Items discussed include computer input devices, public telephones, automatic teller machines, airline and rail arrival/departure displays, ticketing machines, information retrieval systems, order-entry terminals, optical character…

While traditional views of literacy assume that discourse is either written or oral, an alternative perspective considers different discourse samples as part of the linguistic repertoire of the speech community. Placing this perspective in a sociolinguistic context and taking language use rather than form as the starting point for analysis, it is…

Several bodies of literature that shed light on some aspects of the relationship between information technology (IT) and research practice in science and engineering are reviewed. Subjects include: (1) the importance of calculation in research endeavors; (2) productivity in science and technology; (3) the philosophical differences between science…

Research efforts to model speech perception in terms of a processing system in which knowledge and processing are distributed over large numbers of highly interactive--but computationally primative--elements are described in this report. After discussing the properties of speech that demand a parallel interactive processing system, the report…

When a school system chooses to buy into modern computer technology as the way to solve some existing problems and to meet pressing needs, a myriad of new problems and issues are created. However, the new problems are worth solving to allow the system to benefit from the new technology. In other words, the conversion to using the latest computer…

Two varieties of user-friendly computer systems that deal with natural language are now available, providing either at-the-monitor stylistic and grammatic correction of keyed-in writing or a sorting, selecting, and generating of statistical data for any written or spoken document. The editor programs, such as "The Writer's Workbench"…

Research reports issued during the last decade and a half on the effectiveness of computer-based education (CBE) are examined. Surveys of research on CBE over this time period are considered rather than individual studies. Thus, this report represents a synthesis of a number of review articles which provide snapshots across two decades of the kind…

This paper first reviews the theory of group creativity and then examines characteristics of electronic brainstorming that make it more effective than verbal brainstorming. The success of electronic brainstorming suggests it might be the key to overcoming the space and time constraints commonly faced by a creativity group. (Author/DB)

Despite the widespread introduction of microcomputers into the nation's schools, tremendous variations exist in the frequency and success of their implementation. This study focuses on the principal's role as one possible cause of these variations. Recent research has identified two major role activities of principals: instructional leadership and…

Computer graphic procedures can be adapted at low cost in order to teach the basics of layout and good design in high school and college journalism classes. Both journalism educators and students can benefit from computer equipment used as a vehicle for graphics experimentation. In addition to creating experimental newspaper and magazine page…

Focuses on the use of computer-based test interpretation (CBTI) in psychoeducational assessment. Reviews development influences affecting the use of CBTI in psychoeducational assessment, explores the current status of CBTI systems, and advances strategies for the evaluation of CBTI products by consumers and professionals. (Author/KS)

Discusses the application and use of a microcomputer-assisted reference statistics procedure which allows for customized programs to be designed and determined by local, unique research objectives, service demands, and the ultimate use of the recorded data. A literature review of the development and use of reference statistics is included. (EM)

In the context of decision support systems (DSS) use, four perspectives on evaluating decisions (consensual, political, empirical, and rational) and four models of organizational effectiveness (human relations, open system, internal process, and rational goal) are examined for their implications for DSS implementation and evaluation. (MSE)

Reviews the first 50 years of the U.S. Employment Service. Describes the role and functions of the Employment Service and shows how the service could become more relevant during an age of computerized employment service operations involving highspeed electronic communications and retrieval systems. (JAC)