Described is an inexpensive apparatus, consisting of a microcomputer, a magnetostrictive digitizing tablet, and a teletype terminal, that accurately and quickly measures positions, lengths, and areas. Particular emphasis is given to interfacing, software, and to some applications in education and research of this minimum configuration system.…

Elaborates on techniques used to obtain and maintain computer equipment. Suggestions include: conduct a needs assessment, improve staff communication, have written guidelines, be cost conscious, inspire student assistants, manage time effectively, keep accurate use records, practice hands-on management, and keep informed of current developments.…

Elementary school children need hands-on experiences to understand science concepts. Computers can be used to store and analyze data collected by students, but educators seem to agree that students need to manipulate data themselves to really comprehend their discoveries. (DF)

Educators may have many questions about the values and uses of microcomputers in the school environment. Cost, versatility of software available, and amount of computer literacy desired are issues that may be encountered during computer selection. (DF)

Teachers can integrate computer use with regular classroom activities to motivate children and to help build self-esteem. Through creative teaching, the computerized classroom becomes a place where children develop problem-solving skills and learn to work together. (DF)

Discusses the impact of the presentation of data on the educational effectiveness of computer assisted learning systems, describes some of the existing systems for controlling the display of instructional data on CRTs, and outlines a project undertaken at the University of Western Ontario to exploit the capabilities of microcomputer color…

Reports that by using several features of the PLATO computer aided instruction system, students in Illinois and Hawaii who were taking similar courses were able to communicate with each other and conduct topical discussions through computer conferencing. This technique has a variety of applications and is available at different sites. (DC)

The computer can be used in the classroom to make writing tasks less formidable. The word processor allows the writer to make corrections with less effort than rewriting an entire paper. Students are better able to see an imbalance between what they write and what they intended when writing with a computer. (DF)

The Interactive Videodisc for Special Education Technology Project being conducted at Utah State University is developing and field testing a system to provide computer-assisted instruction to mentally handicapped students. The system combines an industrial videodisc player, an Apple II microcomputer with two floppy disc drives, a color monitor…

Following a definition of multimedia, a description of the advantages of multimedia software, and a list of necessary multimedia hardware, this paper describes in detail the phasing in of new technology into the curriculum at Lake-Sumter Community College (Florida). Implementation of a one-credit course entitled Introduction to Multimedia Computer…

Microcomputers can perform two distinct functions in high school science classes, providing computer-assisted instruction and serving as tools in experimentation. This report describes a project based on three premises: that science is primarily the process of examining, modeling, and understanding nature; that the best way to learn science is by…

This collection includes 16 conference papers and presentations and brief descriptions of 35 workshops and demonstrations. The document contains the following papers: (1) "Visual Literacy in the Elementary Grades" (David J. Bieman); (2) "Inservice Training for Sheridan's Audio Visual Staff" (Dave MacDougall); (3)…

The addition of the application and use of microcomputers to the academic programs at the University of Akron's College of Education was a gradual process. During the early 1970's, with acceptance by both the administration and the faculty and some budgeting support, a university-wide Computer Based Education Center was established, and the…

Varied development projects in several countries are described in this newsletter, which also provides current reviews of development books, and publications available from the Non-Formal Education Information Center at Michigan State University and ERIC. The following articles are included: (1) "From Oral Traditions to Elementary Textbooks:…

This resource unit, an addendum to The Exploratory Computer Literacy Curriculum Guide, Grades 9-12, is designed to provide teachers with guidelines and classroom computer activities for integrating the exploratory computer literacy program into the curriculum. An overview of the guide is given in the introduction, which notes that the materials…