While many technical disciplines have reached or are moving toward gender parity in the number of bachelors degrees in those fields, the percentage of women graduating in computer science remains stubbornly low. Many recent efforts to address this situation have focused on retention of undergraduate majors or graduate students, recruiting…

Considers three questions regarding computer science courses: (1) Can performance be predicted?; (2) Does a solid mathematical background provide the student with an advantage?; and (3) Is gender a factor in performance or aptitude? Reports a strong math background was related to achievement in a beginning course while gender was not related. (MVL)

Argues that education in computer science in secondary schools has not kept pace with curriculum developments for college programs. Suggests definitions to be agreed upon and ways to close the gap between secondary and college programs. (PK)

Examines social influences which discourage women from pursuing studies in computer science, including monopoly of computer time by boys at the high school level, sexual harassment in college, movies, and computer games. Describes some initial efforts to encourage females of all ages to study computer science. (JM)

Discusses artificial intelligence, its definitions, and potential applications. Provides listings of Logo and BASIC versions for programs along with REM statements needed to make modifications for use with Apple computers. (RT)

Teachers in e-learning play a crucial role as facilitators of the students' learning experiences. To this end, a teacher needs to monitor, understand and evaluate the activity of the students in the course. What is more, e-learning can be enhanced if tools for supporting teachers in this task are provided. In this paper, two experiences are…

Discusses the designation of October, 1987, as Computer Learning Month. Traces the development of computer uses in education. Points out some of the opportunities that the observance of this event can have for collaborative activities between and among teachers, administrators, students, parents, and other community members. (TW)

The use of computers as laboratory instruments is viewed as overlooked. Numerous applications developed for a simple, single-board microcomputer by a group of Technical Education Resource Centers (TERC) are noted. The trend toward decreasing costs of lab interfacing is expected to continue into the future. (MP)

Rapid advances in microelectronics over the past few years have generally been beneficial, but they have also created some problems, and questions must be asked about the philosophy for including aspects of the new technology in the school curriculum. This statement, prepared by the Microelectronics and Science Education Subcommittee of the…

Describes a physics classroom in Briarcliff High School, Briarcliff Manor, New Jersey. Over 50 percent of the student body studies at least a year of physics before graduating, but less than 15 percent take a computer course. The physics programs discussed illustrate five different computer applications. (MP)

Research shows that girls tend to lose interest in science and math as they move through the education pipeline--a retreat that often begins during middle school. Summer science camps can be part of reversing that trend, some say. Academic camps are on the rise across the country, including ones to get adolescent girls excited about the…

Computer awareness and literacy programs for gifted and talented high school students were developed at two Washington City Schools (North Carolina). At Carteret High School, a variety of computer programs were purchased for biology and physics studies, trigonometry and algebra studies, aptitude and merit exam preparation, basic skills math…

Describes various ways a user can control computer program activity using different menu constructions. Advantages, disadvantages and program design principles for menu design are discussed. A listing for a menu demonstration program is included. (BC)

Details are provided about project SERAPHIM which is aimed at setting up a model system for dissemination of instructional materials in chemistry. Many of the instructional modules that will be handled by the project will be computer-based, with an emphasis on microcomputer-based materials. (MP)

This paper describes Macintosh features which can be used in writing interactive programs. A program written in Microsoft BASIC (version 2.0 interpreter) is described which is used to produce plots of electric field produced by two-dimensional arrangements of point charges. It demonstrates the use of pull-down menus, windows on the screen, the…