ComputerTowns are local, volunteer organizations providing learning opportunities for interested individuals and fostering computer literacy. ComputerTown Menlo Park is currently being developed (with NSF funding) into a demonstration computer literacy project to disseminate the model to libraries and other institutions. Program…

Describes a computer program to help young children learn about the alphabet and about the location of alphabet keys on computer keyboards. Includes a complete program listing. (Author/JN)

Offers and discusses three suggestions to capitalize on two developments related to system dynamics modeling and simulation. These developments are a junior/senior high textbook called "Introduction to Computer Simulation" and Micro-DYNAMO, a computer simulation language for microcomputers. (Author/JN)

Computers at the Children's Museum (Washington, DC) are used for exhibits, classroom teaching, and development of educational software. Describes computer exhibits in the museum including the "Future Center," a room equipped with 20 Atari 800s used for instructional purposes. Also describes several computer programs used in the museum. (Author/JN)

Computer assisted instruction is used to increase the reading level of juvenile delinquents. The program at the Neeles School in California is designed to improve reading by vocabulary drill/practice exercises. Most students over a five-year period have increased their reading level by one month for each month in the project. (Author/JN)

Responds to comments in March/April issue of this journal on use of microcomputers in elementary/junior high schools, focusing on use in elementary schools. Addresses issues of funding for microcomputer purchases, availability of software, and teacher/student training. Suggests that programing is not an essential requirement before purchasing…

The proliferation of personal computers in home/schools and use of computer chips in educational toys has led to a rethinking of ideas about education and fun, and ways the two can combine to provide youngsters with enjoyable and profitable learning experiences. Provides examples of commercially available computer-oriented educational toys/games.…

In an interview, Dr. Alfred Bork (Director of the Educational Technology Center at the University of California, Irvine) discusses computer-assisted learning and its unique benefits for today's students. Includes comments on "Tribble Families," a program which deals with attributes. (Author/JN)

Seven styles of software which may significantly improve mathematics and science learning are discussed. These include microworlds, educational games, microcomputer-based instrumentation, databases, tools, languages, and simulations. Opportunities and need for new software are also discussed, suggesting such items as a scientific text processing…

"Big Business" is a series of computer simulations designed to give players a chance to compete in the practical world of business and finance. The basic elements of the simulations and versions designed for home use, middle school students, and high school students are described. (Author/JN)

"Lemonade" is one in a series of simulations designed to permit exploration of elementary concepts in economics. The nature of the simulation, problem-solving skills fostered, and suggestions for use of the program in the classroom are discussed. (Author/JN)

Reviews the educational value, design quality, and ease of use of "WINDOW," an educational "magazine" on a disk for the Apple II/IIe microcomputer. Indicates that the articles, software reviews, and other informative material are greatly enhanced by sound, graphics, and the chance to try out reviewed programs. (JN)

Highlights Pennsylvania Department of Education's initiatives related to school improvement and use of technology in education. These include computer literacy, financial aid to schools for innovative classroom projects, electronic mail services, teleconferencing, and technological applications within the department itself (such as word processing…

Discusses the use of microcomputers and software as problem-solving tools, including comments on "TK! Solver," automatic problem-solving program (reviewed in detail on pp.84-86 in this same issue). Also discusses problem-solving approaches to bridge the disciplines, such as music/physics, junior high science/mathematics (genetics),…

Discusses steps involved in model building and simulation: understanding a problem, building a model, and simulation. Includes a mathematical model (focusing on a problem dealing with influenza) written in the DYNAMO computer language, developed specifically for writing simulation models. (Author/JN)