Presents current licensing practices of software for microcomputers and demonstrates inadequacies of these practices to situations where installations make use of multiple microcomputers using realistic scenarios. Suggestions for possible revisions to licensing agreements that might alleviate these inadequacies are provided. (MBR)

Discusses benefits and pitfalls of networking or disk-sharing in computer labs where microcomputers are connected to a central disk drive which runs one program for all microcomputers at one time. Copyright and software compatibility from educators' and publishers' perspectives, costs, time factors, and educational objectives are included in the…

Considers educational applications of local area computer networks and discusses industry standards for design established by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). A futuristic view of a learning laboratory using a local area network is presented. (Author/LRW)

Discusses microcomputer network benefits; points out their current shortcomings in the areas of software availability and legal use, required equipment, and vendor reliability; describes how to set up a worthwhile specialized network despite these shortcomings; and outlines reasons for expecting networks to play a larger future role in education.…

The computer applications that hold most promise for writers form a large class of utility programs, including word processing and text editing. However, the computer can pose some problems for the student in the writing center. What proportion of writing center students arrive ready to work at the keyboard? Will learning to type present special…

The English Microlab Registry (EMR) was first designed as a database, or research tool, for planners of English microlabs in order to give them access to information about all aspects of microlab management. But EMR also provides descriptive data about what a microlab is and may well provide insight into whether those labs will survive. An…

Librarians should adopt a teaching role to instruct users in microcomputer literacy, as microcomputer laboratories and software collections are increasingly a part of academic libraries. University of Wisconsin-Parkside has provided microcomputer orientation workshops and faculty seminars in their microcomputer lab for students, faculty, and…

Explores the use of local area networks (LAN's) in learning laboratories and how they are improving learning outcomes for certain student populations (e.g., deaf and developmental students). Describes how LAN's alter the instructor's role and how instructors can manage student-driven classrooms. Offers guidance on implementing a network system.…

This paper describes the results of a study of the microcomputer use patterns reflected by more than 13,000 users' records from the microcomputer laboratory at Western Kentucky University for 1983 to 1986. The data analyzed focused on: (1) numbers of users; (2) frequent user groups; (3) sex differences; (4) prime time usage; (5) the use of…

This proposal for the creation of a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) laboratory in a middle school in Oklahoma City emphasizes the need for such facilities to provide remedial instruction and improve student motivation as a means of reducing the number of students in the district dropping out of school before graduation. Intended for use by…