Introduces a checklist of instructional design and programing guidelines developed for use by authors of CAI materials. It provides a practical formative evaluation tool for nonspecialists desiring to improve their own CAI materials with minimal support from consultants or more experienced authors. (Author)

Reviews problems associated with constructing a software package for educational use. Offers opinions and observations on how to develop software effectively. (BSR)

An instructional strategy is constructed and implemented to develop a BASIC computer program for rule learning. The strategy identifies conditions of the instructional sequence including introduction to familiar vocabulary, designing an advance organizer, presenting the defining rule, providing examples, and learner generation cues. Advantages to…

The article describes specific thinking skills that can be developed and used with BASIC programing, LOGO programing, and data processing with PFS:FILE. Experiences of the computer education program at the Austine School for the Deaf are cited. (CL)

Although microcomputers are being used everywhere, their use in education and training has only begun to be explored. More balanced information about their advantages and limitations is needed before informed decisions about their use can be made. (SSH)

Describes the successful introduction of computer literacy as a requirement in a teacher training program at a private college in rural Iowa. (LLS)

Suggestions for writing computer-assisted instructional programs are offered through an examination of the goals and structure of these programs. Discussed are problems one may encounter in creating such programs. (RAO)

Describes the creation and use of macros for simple computer-aided instruction using the Open Access integrated software from SPI (Software Products International, UK). Sample screen displays are included. (MES)

Discussion of the use of computers in math instruction highlights two possibilities suggested in response to an earlier journal column: (1) a program written in BASIC for producing spirolaterals, and (2) the use of LOGO list processing to solve matrix problems for exploring geometric transformations. (LRW)

Computer assisted instruction (CAI) is defined. Guidelines physical educators can use for evaluating CAI programs and their manuals as well as sources for software are provided. (MT)

Introduces and provides practical examples of a teaching technique called instruction through simulated programing or ISP. This technique requires that students "program" a computer to demonstrate their understanding of economic concepts. (JDH)

The article addresses oversimplified responses to Logo research with hearing impaired students. It describes goals of current Logo instruction, reviews some Bank Street College research on Logo and thinking skills, offers guidelines to educators for thinking about this research, and illustrates how research may be used to create improved Logo…

Explains the function of computer programing languages, noting the difference between high and low level languages, and describes the concept of authoring systems which enable nonprogramers to develop computer-assisted instructional materials. Eight programing languages and their educational applications are listed. (EAO)

Seymour Papert, the inventor of the computer language LOGO, claims even small children can learn to program computers. Children must think through what they want the computer to do and thereby develop a deeper understanding of the material. (Author/MLF)

Discussion of software security in university computer laboratories focuses on the causes of computer viruses. Possible ways to detect an infected disk are described; strategies for professors, students, and computer personnel to eradicate the spread of a computer virus are proposed; and two resources for further information are given. (LRW)