Jon-Paul C. Dyson is vice president for exhibits and director of the International Center for the History of Electronic Games (ICHEG) at The Strong. Trained as a cultural and intellectual historian, he joined The Strong in 1998 and has worked on and supervised the development of dozens of exhibits on play and video games. He initiated the museum's…

In this article, the author relates the big role of computers in his life as a writer. The author narrates that he has been using a computer for nearly twenty years now. He relates that computers has set his writing free. When he started writing, he was just using an electric typewriter. He also relates that his romance with computers is also a…

Urges history teachers to look into the range of tasks they can perform with word processing, database/file managers, and other software. Concludes there are numerous pedagogical uses for computers besides generating short answer tests. (Author/BSR)

The microcomputer can be a helpful tool for teaching the basics of historical research. Database management systems are described, strengths and weaknesses of one software package (dBaseII) for historical research are discussed, and a conceptual and practical guide for teaching historical research methods with dBaseII is provided. (RM)

This article examines the cultural history of slide projection technologies by focusing upon how such technologies acquire cultural meaning. The meanings acquired by these technologies emerge in areas as diverse as public and domestic entertainment, religion, science, and education. I identify three important discursive shifts impacting the…

Examines the types of history software has been produced in Europe. Questions the quality of the programs and how far the didactic theory of computer assisted learning in history has advanced. Concludes with an appendix of over 100 commerically available pieces of history software. (BSR)

Discusses artificial intelligence, robotics, natural language processing, and expert or knowledge-based systems research; examines two large expert systems, MYCIN and XCON; and reviews the resources required to build large expert systems and affordable smaller systems (intelligent job aids) for training. Expert system vendors and products are…

Discussion of past, present, and future of computer-based teaching at the undergraduate level addresses psychological, economic, and political barriers to progress; educational potential and objectives; technological developments and new organizing principles in software fostering computer-based teaching; and correct environment, support,…

Discusses factors converging to create high-capacity, low-cost nature of next generation of microcomputers: a coherent vision of what graphics workstation and future computing environment should be like; hardware developments leading to greater storage capacity at lower costs; and development of software and expertise to exploit computing power…

Responds to the article, "Blackboard's COURSEINFO: Supplementing In-Class Teaching with the Internet," by David M. Fahey. Focuses on the benefits and drawbacks to using this software to have a paperless course Includes an overall review of COURSEINFO. (CMK)

Describes capabilities and advantages of spreadsheet software, including its ability to perform "what-if" analysis quickly and easily. Also noted are additional advantages; applications, including use in the library environment; history and development; new-generation spreadsheets; and enhanced packaging in the near future. A spreadsheet…

Defines the term "simulation"; discusses role of instructional simulations, particularly computer-based; describes what constitutes an effective simulation and its appropriate use; and reviews several specific examples of computer simulations, emphasizing nature and quality of student interaction with the model. (MBR)

Explores the historical developments in technology that affected music education. Describes the developments in hardware, such as gears and levers, electricity, vacuum tubes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Discusses the changes in computer software from the 1950s to the present. (CMK)

Presents interview with Roger Summit, the president of Dialog Information Services, Inc. Highlights include Summit's role as chief architect of the system, the inception of Dialog and its beginnings at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, services provided by Dialog, a challenge for libraries, and future developments and services. (EJS)

This response to Woodward and Noell (EC 607 857) notes the heavy investment of time required to develop educational software and specifically addresses concerns about computer-assisted instruction which does not incorporate computer-managed instruction; the supposedly "unique" needs of students with disabilities; and current technological…