Advantages of having children use microcomputers at school and home include learning about sophisticated concepts early in life without a great deal of prodding, playing games that expand knowledge, and becoming literate in computer knowledge needed later in life. Includes comments from parents on their experiences with microcomputers and…

Describes the learning experiences of three kindergarten students, providing an account of their teacher overcoming prejudice toward computers. (BJD)

Describes a practical approach to using a microcomputer for controlling a random access audio device for providing flexible interactive practice in foreign language listening comprehension. The audio passages available at a given point in a lesson are determined by the lesson author and can include hints, translations, cultural notes, and slower…

Discusses the history and development of teaching machines, invented to restore the important features of personalized instruction as public school class size increased. Examines teaching and learning problems over the past 50 years, including motivation, attention, appreciation, discovery, and creativity in relation to programmed instruction.…

Examines advantages of using videogame format for training, including practicality, relatively inexpensive hardware, ability to use multi-purpose software modules, motivational advantages of increased student interest and instructional effectiveness, and instructional features such as the adaptive interactive nature of videogames. An example of a…

Explored the performance of primary school children in Logo programming tasks while they worked in one of three gender pairs (girl, boy, or boy-girl). Found no considerable differences in performance based on gender. Results suggest that what distinguished performance was the application of metastrategic processes--the most effective solutions…

The progression from simple interest to compound interest leads naturally and quickly to the number e, involving mathematical discovery learning through writing programs. Several programs are given, with suggestions for a teaching sequence. (MNS)

This article provides a synthesis of viewpoints expressed in the preceding articles, with particular regard for the three principal uses of the personal computer in continuing education. The author looks at concepts of teaching and learning, learner autonomy, and the diverse opportunities the personal computer provides for continuing education.…

Teachers from four school systems set up their own computer centers from scratch. Each center is tailored to the needs and resources of the school or schools involved. The centers range from a one-machine operation in the corner of a resource room to a laboratory with 18 microcomputers. (PP)

Three general areas in which technology (microcomputers and video technology) can facilitate learning are discussed: (1) helping students develop fluency (rapid recognition of familiar patterns); (2) providing rich problem-solving contexts that invite thinking; and (3) enabling students to create products that catch the attention of their teachers…

A description is given of some of the ways personal computers could be used in the classroom and the benefits of these uses. (MK)

Describes implementation of a word processor in an elementary school, focusing on instructional strategies used with learning-disabled students aged 7-13. Objectives, materials, activities, evaluation, and rewards are summarized for six modules covering hardware, disk care, software, initializing and saving on disk, word processing modes, and…

Elementary school children need hands-on experiences to understand science concepts. Computers can be used to store and analyze data collected by students, but educators seem to agree that students need to manipulate data themselves to really comprehend their discoveries. (DF)

Presents floor plans and activity schedules for primary grade, middle grade, and secondary school classrooms as a guide for teachers who wish to maximize access to classroom microcomputers through the use of small interactive learning centers. (MBR)

Presents results of a survey on numbers of students and teachers using microcomputers in elementary and secondary schools, number of hours per week that microcomputers are in use, and the amount of time that each student-user has with the machine, both in general and for specific learning activities. (JN)