Examines the educational potential of three categories of computer networks--(1) resource sharing networks for sharing expensive peripherals; (2) communication networks for transferring messages between microcomputers; and (3) interactive networks for student collaboration on multiuser tasks. Advantages and disadvantages of networking and the…

Discusses the business of training employees to use microcomputers and describes the cost and several approaches to such training in corporations. These approaches include use of preprogramed tutorials provided by vendors, a minicourse including computer basics and hands-on experience for executives, and computer-assisted instruction for training…

Describes new microcomputer software and hardware which simplify data communications between computer systems. "Dumb" terminal software, programs which enhance a computer's data communications flexibility by means of character translation and data buffering, stand-alone versus integrated systems, and "smart" modems are…

Reviews the growth of computers in schools throughout North America, the changing attitude towards acceptance of the necessity and desirability for computer literacy and computer science education, and some social implications. Discussion of many practical benefits include pupil control, adaptability to special education, increased motivation, and…

Examines design, features, and shortcomings of eight disk-based operating systems designed for general use that are popular or most likely to affect the future of microcomputing. Included are the CP/M family, MS-DOS, Apple DOS/ProDOS, Unix, Pick, the p-System, TRSDOS, and Macintosh/Lisa. (MBR)

This comprehensive guide to Logo as a programing language discusses its potential for advanced as well as introductory programing, lists and explains several computer programs, and provides evaluative reviews of eight Logo systems, including information on their developers, distributors, price, format, appropriate microcomputer, documentation,…

Describes LOGO, an educational computing language designed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for use by young children in developing problem-solving skills. The structure of LOGO, the drawing operations possible using the LOGO "Turtle," LOGO as a learning environment, and the educational philosophy underlying LOGO are…

Describes Ovation, an integrated software system with a common command environment of 26 English words which provides access to all of the system's capabilities and handles spreadsheet analysis, information management, word processing, graphics, and communications in the same workspace. Capabilities of Ovation's applications and features…

Discusses the works of Darcy Gerbarg, Ruth Leavitt, David Em, Duane Palyka, and Harold Cohen, visual artists who work with computers to create art works by relying on standard hardware/software tools, using custom tools created for nonartistic tasks, manipulating images at the programing level, and programing creativity into computers themselves.…

Describes and evaluates the basic hardware, peripheral devices, system software, graphics capabilities, operations, and other features of the low-cost Commodore VIC-20 color microcomputer system. Included are three simultaneous musical tones plus one noise generator. (JL)

Presents overview of recently developed computer software which is based on an understanding of how learning happens informally in the home and designed to be fun. Programs developed by The Learning Company, Children's Television Workshop, Spinnaker Software, and Capital Children's Museum are highlighted. Producers and distributors of software are…

Compares machine code with assembler languages, explains the difference between low and high level computer languages, and traces the historical development and special features of the general purpose languages--BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, LISP, ALGOL, Pascal, APL, and PL/1--and special purpose languages--C, FORTH, Modula 2, Smalltalk, PILOT, and…

Energy Search, Geography Search, Geology Search, Archeology Search, and Community Search are microcomputer software games, usable in grades five to nine, which provide educational simulations, numbers and situational choices, and calculation of implications of decisions. The series is a pathfinder usable by entire class and requiring only one…

Describes features of five new software programs--Songwriter, Musical Ideas, Musicalc I, Musical Construction Set, Musicland, and Music Designer II--which facilitate musical composition and musical creativity in a variety of ways. Shortcomings are briefly discussed, and sources for further information are given. (MBR)

Discusses features essential to good art software or paint systems and provides descriptions of 10 art software packages to illustrate range available to home computer artists--Complete Graphics System, E-Z Draw 3.3, Flying Colors, Graphics Magician, Micro-Painter, Paint, Paint Magic, Paint Master, Poor Man's Graphics Tablet, and Rainbow Graphics.…